By Rich
January 3 2003

In scenes of unprecedented generosity Saints previously Scrooge like defence succumbed to seasonal goodwill and allowed Orrell to score six tries. Luckily they scored eight of their own in this pre-Christmas cracker of a match.

It took 12 minutes for the first score, an odd statistic in a 99 point game. Brooks deputizing at fly half for Grayson was first to dot down with Reihana adding the extras. All away from the Gardens seemed rosy.

Orrell however took it upon themselves to misbehave and spoil the party. First Jones reduced the deficit with a penalty and then Kelly scored a try to make the score 8-7. Not a problem just a slight setback, erm...NO! Easter, the inappropriately named back row forward, put egg on the Saints faces with his 36 minute try. 13-7.

This was a wake up call for the Saints and the premiership Giants woke from their slumber with  a Dan Richmond try to leave the half time score 13-12 to the hosts.

Saints started the second half in the traditional 'hats on wheels' style with tries from Jorgenson and Reihana. 13-26 was the score just four minutes after the break. The plucky northerners would surely now wilt against their illustrious opponents. But Orrell just wouldn't stay down.

Easter scored two more and suddenly the game was back on at 27-26. Saints brought in some older more experienced heads, in Grayson, Thompson, Smith and Williams and this paid immediate dividends with a Grayson penalty reclaiming the lead. But then Haughton scored another try for Orrell, Welding converted and Orrell led 34-29 going into the last 10 minutes. This was not how the script was written!

Jorgenson appeared to save Saints blushes with his very very late try to take the score to 34 all. Grayson had a tough conversion but you know Larry, he thrives under pressure. He missed! Extra time was required.

Oh well surely the division 1 side would be shattered, their wills finally broken and Saints would power away from them in extra time. Once again Orrell confounded the onlookers with a try from Lewitt, a conversion and a penalty from Welding. "Well that's it then" the Saints fans must have thought "time to concentrate on the league."

Saints had too much pride and in the end enough ability to prevent all that. Orrell tried to run down the clock but the referee was wise to them and added more time on. Vass got over the line for the vital score and Grayson wasted no time with a drop out to convert. Jorgy then got his hat trick followed by Vass's second to seal the win. Given some of our medical histories that's irresponsible stuff from the Saints but they got there in the end.

After the match there were accusations of arrogance towards the Saints for fielding a weakened team. That's a shame really because this team wasn't that weak and Orrell had scored six tries against them. No-one has done that to the saints this season and the Lancashire side should be proud of today's achievements. For Saints I fear Christmas may well be postponed!