St Valentine's Day showdown at Kingsholm
DR - still waiting
By Cherry Picker
February 9 2009
Now it really starts to get interesting as the strength in depth of Premiership clubs is put to the test during the Six Nations. And as the season resumes on Valentine’s Day after last weekend’s break, there’s no bigger game than the one at Kingsholm as Gloucester take on Sale Sharks - there will be no exchange of red roses and choccies between the two sets of players before the kick-off.
It’s only one game and there are another eight for Glaws and nine for Sale between Saturday night and the end of the regular season, but it’s still a landmark fixture for both sides.
Leaders Gloucester have 41 points from their 13 games, with Sharks on 39 from 12.
London Irish are sandwiched between the pair with 40 points from 13, and after pipping the exiles in their last game, Glaws are the team to beat at the moment. It's vital they win to keep Sale and their game in hand at arm's length.
However, it’s so tight at the top as teams jockey for position as the second half of the season gets under way that anything could happen between now and the end of April – and it probably will.
Glaws coach Dean Ryan has made it clear several times this season that he believes his team has not yet hit peak form, though he hasn’t said when he expects it to do so, or even whether it will.
The comeback against Irish was a good start, and signing Carlos Spencer after he was released by Northampton is a positive sign for the fans to get hold of at a time when some were wavering over the team’s inconsistent form and the lengthening list of injuries.
After the play-off disappointments Glaws have suffered in the last two seasons, everybody connected with the club wants to avoid more frustration this season.
Let’s face it, after May 07 and May 08, in this year’s play-offs we would all rather see the Cherry and Whites play badly and win than play well and lose (wouldn’t we?).
But for that to happen, they have to finish in the top four, and there’s a lot to do before that happens … starting on Saturday.
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Quote:Shedinburgh
Time to send Stockport home with their tales between their legs.
Yep! I'll go for that.
Whats the weather like down there.....will I need my snow shoes and winter gear?
Do you reckon it'll go ahead, got half way to wuss ;ast time when the called it off
Quote:Gordon1974
...will I need my snow shoes and winter gear?
No, just bring lots of tissues, 'coz you will be crying all the way home when we stuff you fish-heads.
