By Loose Head
June 2 2003

The Monday After Or That Was The Weekend That Was: In front of 40K spectators and a television audience Wasps put together one of their best performances ever. Gloucester were like a family of rabbits caught in a combine harvester’s headlights. Quite what had they been up to for the past fortnight? I don't buy this "ring rusty" argument from Gloucester. It's too easy and convenient. The problem with the rugby season is that there are many occasions when there are gaps. We had the opposite of this argument from Sinners when Wasps beat them in the semi-final, that is was a game too far for them. Well, er, actually boys, it wasn't for Wasps, who had to go on and play a couple more big games.

Wasps are noticeably fitter and stronger than last year – and earlier this year. The level at which they play has shifted upwards. All teams vary, but this second half of the season the variation has been about a higher level. That's not to say there aren't slip ups!

So why didn’t Glozzer turn up to play? It will probably remain one of those mysteries that are never solved. Had they mentally switched off? Had Vickery pumped everyone so full of righteous indignation with "it would be a travesty" blah blah, that instead of reacting positively to the shock of a fantastic try created by Abbot and delivered by Lewsey, they had a nice psychological get-out already installed. There didn't seem to be anyone from Gloucester wanting to impress on the big stage before a tour. Wunderkind Marcel Garvey fully justified being left off the main tour, whereas Alex King probably calmed a few concerns in the English camp about whether we do really have cover for Wilkinson available – and how!

You mustn't leave the domestic season thinking that the result was all down to Glozzer doing badly. Wasps played superbly in attack and defence. Only one kickable penalty conceded (while there was any point kicking for goal). Much gossip before hand highlighting this as a possible weakness area. The irony of it all is that, other than Howley and Van Gisbergen, this is Melville's team.

So what's left now? Booked your season ticket yet? How long until the season starts?

Congratulations to all the squad, the coaches, the management...EVERYONE! A brilliant end to the season.

====
Loose Head