By Saint Tim
January 30 2011

So we move from one season defining game to one which may end up in that mould.  After two defeats in the league it is back to the Heineken Cup where we are still top of the pool after four consecutive wins.  The fifth game is a return match against Edinburgh and whilst most would expect a home win they showed sufficient running spirit in the game at a largely empty Murrayfield to dispel any over confidence in the players and supporters.  So it was back to a game under the lights at the Gardens.

Who was your MoTM as Saints blew past Edinburgh at home in the HC?

I am afraid that all comments on here will be second hand as I did not get to see the game – nor to follow it live as I was in Miami and the timeline meant the game took place during my working day.  I did get a couple of text updates so I was aware that by half time the result looked to be secure as to quote my correspondent the opposition were not posing any real threat.  It did however take until the 76^th minute that the bonus point score was made. In fact third, fourth and fifth Saints tries came in the 73^rd, 76^th and 79^th minute.

The game was really notable for the four tries scored by Paul Diggin.  I did note that the hat trick try was a gimme by Joe Ansbro (thanks to the highlights on the Saints wb site for that).  I am sure if Joe had known Paul would get another he would not have been so generous.  So it ran out 37 – 0.  It was also nice to have clean sheet although Paterson and Blair did miss penalty opportunities.  The result meant that Saints were the first qualifiers for the quarter finals as no team in the pool could catch us.  We could however end the qualifiers as almost any of the seeds.  A tricky away game to Castres was left.  They have a proud home record and had already proved obstinate opposition at the Gardens.

So, who caught the eye?

Four players caught the eye this week.  In fourth place was Calum Clarke with 10% of the votes.  I believe that Calum has been involved with every match day squad this season but it was only his 9^th start.  Calum really seems to be growing and growing as a player under Dorian and Jim. I am sure he will be another with his eyes on the England Saxons (oh how I hate that) in the near future.

Calum supporting Tiny.

In third was Ben Foden with just over 11% of the votes.  Ben is back to his best form and I am sure that is delighting Martin Johnson with the six nations just around the corner.

Second place was Jon Clarke with almost 18%.  Jon has been an ever present, when fit , in the centres.  There has been lots of chatter about how do we get game time for Joe Ansbro but if Jon is putting in performances like this alongside the rock that is James Downey then it will be difficult.  It is good to see Jon getting noticed.

The winner, and hardly surprisingly when scoring a bonus point by himself, with four tries, was Paul Diggin.  Paul got over 41% of the votes.  He really is a hero for the locals and never lets us down.  This is despite being a squad player who knows that when the so called stars are fit is likely to find himself on the sidelines or even the wanderers.  Paul however is a top try scorer who knows his way to the try line.  This year he seems to have stepped up and is now keeping Bruce Reihana out of the starting line up.  Well done Paul who now joins Roger Wilson at the top of the leaderboard with 3 wins each.

My thanks to the 107 people who voted this week.

Once again my thanks to Claire for the use of her wonderful photographs.

Full Result

Previous Winners

Vote History

Who wins?

Leaderboard

Players Used

So far this season we have still used 31 different players.  I am getting worried about how many games some of the top players have started.  I am not sure we can keep this up.

MoTM: Edinburgh at home in the Heineken Cup

Discussion started by ComeOnYouSaints.com , 30/01/2011 13:00

ComeOnYouSaints.com
30/01/2011 13:00

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Saint Tim
30/01/2011 13:08

I am hoping we might get a few comments this week



“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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Connorman
30/01/2011 16:10

Excellent work as ever, Tim - this report is always a favourite of mine. Hard to really argue with a 4-try haul, but I thought Calum Clarke was superb and keeps getting better and better.

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Stockers
30/01/2011 17:26

Great supporting stats as well Tim and it was good for the top guys to get time away from competitive action this week.
Agree that Callum Clark is developing well too.

Only going to be one winner v Embra though in the compact shape of Digger!

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Howlin
30/01/2011 22:50

Thanks Tim,

Clark has attracted his detractors on here. Personally can't see why. I think he is now the only player to have played in every match following teh LV today. No doubt someone will correct me if wrong.

Some have said he doesn't contribute to lineout-he does, some say he is not a second row-I keep saying Saints play a back five and he fits the bill.

I rate him highly, he was my mom against Castres, and believe he will only improve.

Saint til I die

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Saint Dom in Hanoi
30/01/2011 23:49

He's you mom, Malcolm??!

Malcolm = Calum junior, then...

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