End of Season report - Part 2 Loosies & Halves

By Rich Walker
May 10 2002

So I’ve considered the tight 5 what next? Oh yeah Loose forwards. Jeez there’s a lot of them. I suppose it doesn’t take a genius to work out where Deano & Wellsey think the real work is done!

Where to start? Well in a completely arbitrary order here goes.

Martin Corry: I think Martin will be disappointed by this season. This was his chance to establish himself as England’s Number 8 and it just wasn’t meant to be. Suffered fairly badly from post-Lions blues and his early season form was badly affected by injury.

On his return he looked a player out of sorts and off the pace. That said I think it a measure of his quality that in recent weeks he has shown a return to his best. He has re-establised his physical presence both going forwards and in defence and seems to have rediscovered his high quality handling skills. Just in time for the big one. Good lad Martin! 6/10

Lewis Moody: What can I say about this guy that hasn’t been said by much more skilled and knowledgeable observers than me? Oh yeah. “Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad”! Put simply Lewis has had an absolute blinder of a season. He’s performed consistently well in the most competitive area at his club and in England. The way he’s battled with two great opensides of the modern game and not been shamed by the comparison has been tremendous. His strength, pace and bravery, not to mention his enthusiasm have been a pleasure to witness. It will be a while before I forget him skinning B**h’s Mr Overrated Ian Balsh**e. But will somebody please tell him to stop putting his head quite so far into the danger zones! 10/10

Neil Back: A quiet season by Backy. Maybe a touch of the dreaded Lions fatigue. He’s played consistently well but perhaps not hit the heights of last year. Still his displays as England captain were excellent and Tigers have looked a more complete side with him than without. I still defy anyone to point out a better reader of the game than Neil. 8/10

Josh Kronfeld: Now I’ll be the first to admit that I was puzzled by Josh’s arrival but that on reflection I decided that having a player of his quality could only be a good thing. So I have to confess to a little disappointment by what can only be described as a curate’s egg of a season. Badly disrupted by injury Josh’s performances have stuttered. That said when he has had the opportunity to establish himself in the side he did produce some performances of the highest quality (Sale at home and Sarries away) to remind us that this is a great All-Black. I’m looking forward to a full season from Josh next year. 7/10

Adam Balding: Now I like Balders. He’s dynamic, strong and enthusiastic. Apart from getting himself sent off for fighting last weekend (I can’t understand the thinking of a referee who dismisses players for fighting – what does it achieve?) he’s done pretty well on limited chances. He’s forced himself into contention for England selection this summer but I think he’s one of those who now needs to make the step up to the next level. 7/10

Will Johnson: Another one whose opportunities have been limited by injuries and the sheer strength in depth in the back row at Tigers. Has probably gone backwards a bit this year if only because of how well he played last year. 5/10

Peter Short: A decent season by the most inappropriately named player in the squad. Has looked the part with the ball in hand and been defensively sound. Even a couple of appearances in the second row have come his way and been dealt with. I think this boy has real potential and would undoubtedly be a regular at most other clubs. 7/10

Paul Gustard: Now I include Paul partially because the girlies wouldn’t forgive me if I didn’t & partially because I still see him as one of ours. He’d had a quiet time before moving to Irish and was understandably disappointed with his progress this year. Has shown since the move what we know he can do. I’d like to see him come back and fight for his place next year because at his best he does not suffer in comparison with Backy, Josh, Lewis & Cozzer. 5/10

Halves

Austin Healey: Oz is another one who’s had something of a curate’s egg of a season. At times he’s been simply bewilderingly good. His tormenting of Dan Luger at the Stoop and his performance against Leinster were outstanding, and his professionalism at fullback against Saints was a real pleasure to watch. Of late he’s looked tired and ready for the end of the season; another case of after Lionsitis. He also managed to blot his copy book with a disciplinary infraction. There’s no doubting the scale of Austin’s talent, nor that he will always remain a maverick. He can do better though and will appreciate his summer off. 7/10

Harry Ellis: Got promise has this one. Has had a good start to his career but there’s plenty to work on. His service needs sharpening up for a start. But he’s confident, has good strength, decent pace and is starting to boss his forwards. Mind you he won’t score many tries more important (or timely) than his effort at Nottingham t’other week. That showed good awareness and quick reactions. 8/10

Jamie Hamilton: Club stalwart and tryer. Had a bit of a loss of confidence mid year but always gives his best. Jamie always strikes me as a bit of an underrated player. He doesn’t have Austin’s range of skills but is generally less likely to do something stupid. This year his performances have been solid rather than spectacular but that’s Jamie really. 6/10

Andy Goode: Another one who’s had a mixed season. Limited by the number of opportunities he finds himself the attention of a bid by Wasps. He’s not had the season he did last year but he performed well when he was called on for his goal kicking early & mid season and has not lacked for effort. It would be a shame to see him leave especially when you consider our relative weakness in this area. 7/10

So that’s it for the back row, scrummies and first fives.

Next, Part 3: The Jessicas.