Tigers v Glos Match report

By Downsey
April 17 2011

A day in the sun for Downsey and Junior. Following the references to classic music in the match preview I though I would avoid the same... So junior and I set off to tackle the M25 and M40 merrily singing that old Fiddlers Dram “classic” – Didn’t we have a lovely time the day we went to Leicester. Let’s hope so.

Given the inclusion of 36, (who is fast becoming the Marmite boy – you either love him or hate him) I was keen to see how he would perform at 12. A position many say suits him best. Will he be the Messiah or just a very naughty boy? It was with this in mind we hit the road on Saturday morning.

Arrived safely and we met up with that nice Mr Tiggs before the game. After that surely things could only get better – or could they?

After having a look at the empty food outlets in the Cat stand we took the short helicopter flight to our seats in row Z. On the halfway line though and an excellent view, if a little too far for my failing eyesight. Although someone had put the floodlights on so at least we would see something – obviously a 3pm kick off confused the electrician as well!

Much anticipation of an excellent game with Gloucester’s recent defensive failings suggesting, to me at least, the possibility of a bonus point win. That was dispelled very early after a great line run by Morgan who left the defence chasing shadows. Oh well thinks I, we can start a bit slowly so things may improve. And improve they did with Castro (or Castro GTX as he may now be known) haring after a kick and frightening the life out of Morgan with a monster hit leading shortly after to the try. Those around me were wondering how Castro got there so quickly and although I haven’t seen a replay it was suggested he could have been an inch or two offside. A rare miss by Mr Clancy there! I missed the second Gloucester try because I was answering a text from Andrea so I turned the phone off to concentrate on the game, in case I missed some more trys. This try and a 3 pointer meant the visitors went in at half time 4 points clear.

About 20 minutes into the second half I thought it was all over after some entertaining rugby (or to use Rich’s description – Showboating) Tuilagi senior had landed a hat-trick with only a nice Burns try in the middle keeping the Cherries in the same ball park. But no, there was indeed more to come! Two nicely worked efforts finished by Hazell & Molenaar, plus solid kicking brought the game level again at 34 each. This was, coincidentally, the score I would have predicted had I remembered to do it... SO, enter Billy boy, stage right. Nice work by Flood and The Tank put the golden one over for what must surely be the winning try with Toby, who thankfully had his kicking boots on, kicking the extras. Into the last couple of minutes now and we have the ball in the Gloucester half and I did notice they all looked very tired so obviously we would just put it up somebody’s jumper and see out the BP win that I had so confidentially predicted. But no, instead we send the ball across the park until a lovely pass by Staunton set up Fuimaono-Sapolu (who was excellent throughout) for a lung bursting sprint for the equalising score. An exciting game but ultimately we did snatch a draw from the jaws of victory

Respect to the players and fans of Gloucester for making a good game of it but please, in future, remember the script – it’s Welford Road and you’re supposed to let us win. Now then, where are my heart pills?

General observations – The Gloucester put in seemed to constantly go straight to the second row. Ours, although straighter nearly went through and out the other side at one point – what happened to hooking? I won’t get into the refereeing debate as other are much more “qualified” that I am to do that. Indeed I believe the 4^th official may be aware of Rich’s views on the subject... If fact I believe Rich is to be cited by Mr Stuart Barnes and may be banned for the Pay off final (if, of course, we make it).

My abilities to analyse these games let me down and the match, ebbing and flowing as it did, seemed to be over in much less than 80 minutes. So please forgive the ramblings but it was a good day out and Junior certainly had fun – Thanks to Jen as well for introducing me to young George – a prop in the making...

And finally – nice to see Horacio kept his backside covered this week although I believe some of the ladies were disappointed.

Tigers v Glos Match report

Posted by: TheLeicesterTigers.co.uk (IP Logged)

Date: 17/04/2011 19:59

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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2011:04:23:11:33:03 by Stephen Bath.