End of Season report - Part 1 Tight Five

By Rich Walker
May 9 2002

OK I know the most important game of the season is yet to come but here is my nearly end of year comments on the guys who go out week in week out to play for and entertain us.

It’s been a bit of a funny year really. Perhaps because of the height on which last season finished maybe because of the aftermath of the Lions tour but this term has jerked and jolted its way to a conclusion. Few players seem to have really excelled this year but amongst the dross which has characterised the rest of the domestic competition adequate has been good enough.

So where to start? Up front I suppose.

Tight 5.

The first of the oldsters in the front row, Graham Rowntree, has had a sound season. After his excellent performances last summer for England the rejuvenated Yum Yum has performed manfully. His scrummaging remains sound (though perhaps not the basis of his game it used to be) but it his dynamic efforts about the park which set him apart from must of his contemporaries. His ball carrying and a defensive work have been exemplary and a season largely untroubled by injury have seen him return to his position as England’s no. 1 Loosehead. 9 out of 10.

The next old boy is Dorian West. Now I confess to being a long time fan of Nobby but he just amazes me how he seems to get better every year. His season has been a little disrupted this year to some extent by injury and, though it was an absolute pleasure to see him in the Strawberry Red Shirt last summer (shame he didn’t get a cap) to some extent by that post Lions malaise which affects so many players. That said he has been the most consistent number 2 in England this year and though he lost his place to Saints’ youngster Thompson who took his chance admirably with two fine England performances his excellence in keeping out the resurgent Richard Cockerill should see him continue to knock on the Woodenhead’s door. 8 out of 10.

On to another ageing bastion of the front row Darren Garforth: Another year of hard graft at the coal face. If there’s any loss of power from Skin, an accusation I have heard (and I’m not sure that it’s fair) then it’s more than made up for by the experience and nouse he brings. There can be few tightheads in the game who know so much and whose understanding of what they can get away with is a match for Darren. Still seemingly indestructible in the most pressured place on the field. 8 out of 10.

Next old bugger: Richard Cockerill. Now I know Cockers is feeling a little unloved at the moment thinking of leaving us and all. All I can say is, please Richard don’t go. Remember, this is home. I understand his feelings he’s had a good season unfortunately limited in his starts. His performances this season have shown him getting back to his best. He’s been willing to get stuck in when things have not been getting tough. Including a couple of good efforts in leadership roles. More of the same and he’s going to be putting real pressure on Nobby next year If only the Woodentop would swallow his wounded pride then the current dearth of English hookers might not look so severe. 7 out of 10 (due to restricted opportunities)

Perry Freshwater: At many other clubs Perry would be a first team regular. Not only did he score what may be the try of the season but his ball carrying has been generally of the highest quality. His scrummaging sound if not earth-shaking. 7 out of 10 (though the wife would like him to get 9 for his “lovely eyes”!

Ricky Nebbett: Still some way to go but coming along nicely. Not ready to fill Darren’s shoes yet but he’s young for a prop and seems to have become a more physical presence this term. Will be interesting to see how he reacts to the potential arrival of Reggiardo. 6 out of 10.

Johnno: What can I say? Still the Gaffer. The most consistent player in the English game. I know he has his flirtations with the “dark side” and his season’s work will always be connected to the over-exposed incident with Robbie Russell but his commitment, work rate, skills and understanding of the game are second to none. I’d much rather comment on his two tries against Quins than his ban. If he’s had a bout of post-Lions blues it’s hardly been noticed. 9 out of 10.

Ben Kay: Supporters player of the season and rising star of the England pack. Ben has been simply magnificent this year. A true modern lock forward: strong, athletic, mobile, with good hands and vision. His defensive work has been excellent and his lineouts near perfection. I was surprised to see that he was not in the top three stealers of opposition lineout ball this year. All I can say is the others must have nicked a lot of ball! 9 out of 10.

Louis Deacon: At any other club this boy would be a first teamer by now. The maturity that he has shown when deputising for Johnno has been remarkable. That he did not win the young player of the season award is a comment on the standard of competition in the category and not on him. He has progressed to the point of England A selection and will be putting real pressure on his two more senior colleagues. 8 out of 10.

Guy Manson-Bishop: Limited opportunities, few Extras games and a slow start have produced a mixed season for GMB but there were real signs of improvement in his later outings. Still I think he’ll be disappointed with his year having failed to establish himself at the club. I think he should remain with us. With the World Cup looming we’ll need him over the next 2 seasons. 5 out of 10.

And that’s it for part 1!

Coming next Loosies & Halves (so many!)