By T
April 16 2007

This was supposed to be a less of a match report and more of a glorious farewell to Sarries off to pastures new or hanging up their boots. Since we’ve done so well this season, it’s highly likely that we’ve extended the season by two games it would be a little premature, so a match report you get. The young lad at half time sung ‘My Way’, Had he have done it Sarries way, he would have spent the 3 minutes of the Sinatra classic dropping the microphone and generally messing up when singing looked the easiest option.

As the game kicked off the ball was mauled some 40 metres forward showing Sarries intent up front, the ball was rumbled up to the Quins 22 who were then penalised at the resulting ruck, Jackson chipped over the penalty. With Sarries looking to run the ball at every opportunity and big runners Johnston and Raiwalui carrying the ball expertly in midfield it was surely it was only a matter of time before they emulated Wasps in getting a bonus point win.

As the early exchanges passed it looked like Quins has turned up with their Rugby League side, it appeared they were two men down on the field and had a hooker who was clueless when it came to line outs; missed jumpers, crooked throws, mistimed throws, too long throws. It was actually quite impressive to see a throw that combined all four gifted possession to Sarries. Some great hands saw Hill cut a lovely angle and looked like he was through the gap only to be caught short of the line, after the ball was recycled several times on the fringes, De Kock popped the ball up to Chesney on the wing who crashed over for the first score. Jackson clearly feeling that it was a little embarrassing to be the highest scorer in the league by such a long way declined the 2 points on offer.

From the restart Jackson appeared to be scragged by the Quins pack but succeeded in lofting the ball out of the tackle, several pairs of hands and some incisive running later Sarries somehow conspired to knock the ball on some 5 metres short with the line not so much begging, put pleading to be crossed. All was not totally lost, from the resulting scrum, Gommersall slung the ball straight out in goal. His mind clearly on what reality TV show he would be offered as a former England Scrum half when he retired. The attacking 5 metre scrum gave Sarries a chance to ship the ball wide again, this time two of the supporting backs managed to knock on when it looked simpler to score after Scabs had offloaded.

Sarries hadn’t so much been camped in Quins half but had seemingly moved in and were making themselves at home, this theory was backed up by Sarries staff running on with picnic hampers of refreshments 20 minutes into the game. The constant pressure finally did pay off as Jackson kicked 3 points from yet another penalty for offside.

Quins at this time started to get a bit of footing and Sarries with only on 11 points the board and seemingly incapable of scoring more tries Quins were still well in the game. When Deane went over in the corner in a well worked score and Mehrtens converted on their first foray into the Sarries half there was some nervous looks all round. Worse was to come when Sarries looking in complete control - Jackson having kicked his second penalty - Quins won turnover ball on halfway, the ball was kicked ahead and Williams on for the injured Strettle easily won the touchtown. From looking in control Sarries went in at half time just a few points up, thoughts of Wasps last week came flooding back.

The second half began with Quins dominant in possession, and territory but unable to make anything of their possession. Sarries were now kicking for position and taking Quins lineouts at will but not actually using the ball very well. At this point the Sarries backs were resembling the Abby Flier rather than the express train that had been for much of the season. It wasn’t long before the French proved yet again that when they’re not on strike they know a thing or two about trains, TC resembling a TGV as he hit the line at real speed and whizzed in under the posts. Jackson kicked the extras. From then it was all about Sarries search for the bonus point.

Quins young backs were like an exuberant young puppy, all speed and agility, racing around all over the shop in excited fashion. Sarries in contrast resembled more of an old dog, who every now and again slapped the puppy around proving who was boss. It was one of these moments that summed up the game, Sorrel picked up his opposite number walked him back 10 yards, dumped him on his backside then won the ball on the ground. The ball was quickly spun wide but went to ground while a huge overlap was on. While most of the Fez boys were laughing at Fuga’s impression of a hooker but I imagine Quins must have been giggling at our ineptitude when it looked easier to score.

Sarries got it right a few minutes later when a loop around between Farrell and Sorrell gave Farrell enough time for a huge miss pass that Scabs clung onto above his head and trotted in for the third try making the difficult look incredibly easy. With James Hayter on for the hapless Fuga the supply of Quins lineout ball dried up and Sarries were made to work very hard to get field position. After the forwards had driven the ball into the Quins 22 it was left for Moses on as a late substitute to burst from a ruck on the blind side and find Jackson in support to complete the 4th try.

The game was over as a contest, but the impressive Brown still found to touch down for Quins in the last play of the game.

It sounds churlish to criticise when Sarries had dispatched one of their former local rivals with a bonus point win. But the feeling I left with was one of concern; Quins had three chances and crossed the line 3 times, we must have created 5 times the amount of chances but only crossed once more. I have a nagging doubt that one of the important games coming up we’re going to rue the some of our profligate finishing.