By Saint Tim
October 25 2010

After five games of the bread and butter premiership it was time to turn to the Heineken Cup and first up was Castres a team we have never to my knowledge played before.  So far it has been 4 from 5 but the style as not good in the last couple.  So what would Castres bring?

Can you pick a MoTM as Saints overcame Castres at FG?

It was a fairly packed stadium considering that there were no away supporters, it was a Friday night – would it be another occasion to match that famous game against Munster last season.  Well frankly no.  Castres were very efficient in what they did and they played some good rugby – but what disappointed me was the way that Saints allowed them to play their game and forced the play much too early.  It was a scrappy first half at times it looked like Saints could run through the Castres midfield at will only to get scragged and lose possession. The first try came from Castres after 21 minutes.  Saints took the game back to Castres and after 31 minutes a try from the talismanic Bruce Reihana levelled the score.  Almost immediately Saints offered up the lead back to Castres as sloppy work led to a turn over in the Saints territory and a neat drop goal was popped over by the Castres fly half.  Castres then found themselves on the wrong side of the ref and the hooker had to spend 10 minutes cooling his heels for killing the ball.  Despite five minutes against 14 to finish the half there was no further score and Saints went in 5 – 8 down.

The second half started (as the Exter game had) with a try almost from the kick off from Ben Foden.  It was so quick I hadn’t managed to get back to my seat, but I am told it was a good move and one which Geraghty duly converted.  This was the first time that Saints were in the lead and you could almost hear the collective sigh of relief echoing round a somewhat subdued Gardens.  Further penalties were swapped on either side leaving a final score of 18 – 14.  It could have been very different had what I am told but haven’t seen a Castres perfectly good try ruled out for a knock on that wasn’t.

So it was a win – but not what we hoped and expected against a not full strength Castres set up.  I for one was starting to feel a little uncomfortable about the way the season was going.  But as my more cheery buddies said – a win is a win.

So, who caught the eye?

Well the first thing to say is that despite it being a full house and on the TV there was only a paltry 52 votes this week.  That is less time than it takes me to compile this drivel every week and makes me wonder if it is worth it!

Ok enough of the maudlin stuff – only two players got more than 10% of the votes.  In second was Shane Geraghty with over 15%.  Shane is one of those players who attracts criticism and it is nice to be able to congratulate him on a very good performance.

The winner however and the sixth different Saints player in six matches to top the poll was Courtney Lawes.  Courtney or Long Arm as he is becoming known was a real handful for Castres.  He made break after break which on another day could have led to tries.  He made fiece tackles – indeed it was a vintage performance from a very young man.  Congratulations to Courtney.  Is it a conspiracy to hand round the MoTM trophy?

Apologies this isn't a picture from the castres game - for some reason the image I chose did not want to upload!

To see the full results and analysis please click through to the following page.

Saints V Castres MoTM

Discussion started by ComeOnYouSaints.com , 25/10/2010 21:52

ComeOnYouSaints.com
25/10/2010 21:52

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St Marlowe
26/10/2010 00:28

Nice one Tim

Thanks
I like when then come round a few weeks later - it brings back memories

David L

What if there were no hypothetical questions?

- Live wrong and preposterously

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Saint Tim
26/10/2010 07:50

I should be up to date by the end of the week. The glory that was the Edinburgh game to do and I am there.



“Those who desire to give up freedom in order to gain security will not have, nor do they deserve, either one.”

Benjamin Franklin

Tetleys Block F E143

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St Marlowe
26/10/2010 08:06

That wasn't a criticism Tim!

David L

What if there were no hypothetical questions?

- Live wrong and preposterously

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Saint Tim
26/10/2010 08:09

I know David. Just like in any walk of life though once you get behind it becomes harder and harder to catch up. Last year was a disaster on that front. I have made some changes in how I put together the stats etc. to simplify stuff but it still needs a little work. Getting there though.



“Those who desire to give up freedom in order to gain security will not have, nor do they deserve, either one.”

Benjamin Franklin

Tetleys Block F E143

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Phil.
26/10/2010 09:22

Always look forward to these - another good read, Tim.

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