By The Chat-room Massive
December 16 2005

Saints pulled off a magnificent victory over Narbonne in the ECC on Friday night. Here's a short match report compiled whilst in the Comeonyousaints.com chat-room...

Saints started the match in real “hats-on wheels” style with a try in the right corner by John Rudd after just a couple of minutes. With a tricky breeze Bruce just failed to convert although he made amends not long after with the first of three penalties in the opening period. Indeed, the third of those penalties was converted whilst Saints were a player short after Steve Thompson saw yellow for a line-out infringement.

 

As the half wore on the Narbonne forwards started to up their game and their patience was awarded just before the interval as their rolling maul finally paid dividends; the old war-horse Franck Tournaire rumbling over.

 

Half time – Narbonne 7 – Northampton Saints 14

 

The second-period started much the same way as the first had ended with Saints under the cosh. However they held firm with some sterling defence work and even managed to extend their lead from another successful penalty. Narbonne, it appeared, were getting frustrated and they didn’t help their cause when they lost Christian Labit to the sin-bin for cynically not retreating 10 at a Saints penalty.

 

Saints were showing a lot of patience and were able to take full advantage of the extra man with Jon Clarke releasing Ben Cohen into space. Kingsthorpe’s Finest did just what he does best and powered over the line. Blinking blimey, who’d have thought it 22-7 to Saints with a quarter to go!

 

A flurry of substitutions followed Saints score. The most notable of which was the loss of Tom Smith who hobbled off the park to be replaced by Dylan Hartley. It was a cruel blow for Wee Tam after having just returned from injury.

 

Saints tried to slow the game down and they were pretty successful in their efforts, keeping the score the same as the match entered its final phase. Luke Myring in particular showed great maturity by playing the percentages and the Black, Green and Gold gave their all in keeping Narbonne at bay.

 

With the clock ticking down, David Quinlan left the field with what sounded like a hamstring pop. Paul Diggin took to the park on the wing with Cohen moving to centre and as Digger came on he watched Christian Labit walking in the opposite direction after he received a second yellow. Moments later Tournaire followed his French compatriot to the sidelines (yellow card), leaving Narbonne to finish the game with only 13 men. These shenanigans just helped the Saints cause and the referee blew for no-side.

 

Well, who would have thought it? Saints record a magnificent result once again in France and credit must go to each and every player who pulled on a Northampton shirt this evening. You will have to wait until Monday to read Howlin’s “I was there” match report so why not pop on to the message-board to see the supporters’ reaction to this sweet victory!

 

FULL-TIME: NARBONNE 7 - NORTHAMPTON SAINTS 22