Stimpson still the man

Stimmo
By Mike Hill
September 23 2003

Will Skinner scored a dramatic late try as Tigers drew 19 points apiece with Saracens at Vicarage Road. However it was old favourite Tim Stimpson that made the most telling contribution with a personal haul of 14 points and a big hand in the try.

Tigers had struggled to find any consistency in the game and were constantly frustrated by their own handling errors and some inconsistent refereeing. The first half saw neither side able to take control and the only points came courtesy of a brace of penalties apiece for Messrs Goode and Stimpson. Even when Saracens were reduced to 14 players Tigers still failed to apply much pressure and the opportunity passed.

Tigers young second row of Louis Deacon and Tom Ryder competed well but lacked the control and finesse that comes with experience however both showed commitment and look to have bright futures. The front row all played well today particularly in the loose with Chuter and Morris (who replaced Rowntree early on) showing good handling and mobility.

The second period continued in the same spirit as the first with neither team creating any clear cut try scoring opportunities until right at the death. Stimpson and Goode had both added another two penalties and missed a few to leave the score still tied at 12 all. Tigers brought on their replacements with Tom Tierney in at nine and Ramiro Pez making his Premiership debut at ten. Henry Tuilalgi replaced Brett Deacon in the back row and Ellis move out to the wing.

The two new half-backs seemed to combine well and Tigers started to push Sarries back but still they couldn't find a way through. Both teams seem very evenly matched at present and, as in last seasons Wild card final, it was going to take something or someone special to break the deadlock. In Houghton Saracens have a fantastic broken field runner and it was his searing break the opened up the Leicester defence for Morgan Williams to finish off a fine team try.

Saracens fans were jubilant and the team probably thought they had seen us off but Deano had one more ace to play, Captain Josh was replaced by our young seven Will Skinner. Will seems a player destined for greatness similar in build and handling ability to a young Neil Back and like Backy a good nose for a try. So once more he was in support when Stimpson chipped and gathered fed inside for Ollie who then gave Skinner a run to the line. Despite the attentions of several Saracens Will shrugged off the challenge to score under the posts.

Stimpson capped off a fantastic performance (and was the obvious Man of the Match this week) by slotting the conversion and once more the scores were level. Despite a desperate long-range drop goal attempt by Ollie that was how it ended honours even and I suspect a slightly happier Tigers camp than the home team.

So a good start to a difficult period but Tigers need to sharpen up their act slightly and retain possession better if they are to remain in the upper reaches of the league. On a positive note the old fighting spirit and never say die attitude is back. Next week sees the Falcons visit on Friday night expect another close game but hopefully home advantage will see us through.

Saracens v Tigers

21 September, 2003

Official Attendance 7,730

Time		Saracens	Tigers	Score
		First Half
10	Pen		Stimpson	0-3
31	Sin Bin	Ross(2)		-
39	Pen	Goode		3-3
44	Pen	Goode		6-3
46	Pen		Stimpson	6-6
		Second Half
0	Sub		Morris(17) on for Rowntree(1)
2	Pen		Stimpson	6-9
13	Pen	Goode		9-9
19	Sub		Tuilgi H(19) on for Deacon B(6)
21	Sub	Kershaw(16) on for Sparks(1)
24	Sub	Sorrell(21) on for Johnstone(12)
25	Sub		Tierney(20) on for Lloyd(13)
30	Sub		Pez(21) on for Vesty(10)
30	Pen	Goode		12-9
31	Sub		Hamilton(18) on for Ryder(4)
37	Pen		Stimpson	12-12
38	Try	No.9 (?)		17-12
39	Conv	Goode		19-12
39	Sub	(22) on for (7)
40	Try		Skinner	19-17
41	Conv		Stimpson	1919