What Banana Skin ??
Irish Lineout
By Finno
March 3 2015
Would this be a ‘banana skin’ game ? The Welsh will be up for it ! Their best chance of securing their first win of the season ! Was I worried…no…not after our recent performances, but.... Somewhere in the back of my mind a little voice was saying.. ’you never know!’
Anyway, we set off from Sussex mid-morning, into a wet and dreary day. The weather forecast promised a clear bright afternoon, so optimism fuelled the journey. When I say, ‘we’, my occasional rugby supporting wife and daughter decided to come along. Not to watch the rugby, but fancied some lunching and shopping in Oxford, and a free lift was available. I assured them, that they would have much more entertainment at the rugby, but the spectre of their last outing, our home game against Glaws still looms large with them ! I’m working them for a Paddy’s Day return !! They nearly had me late for the start of the match…with dropping them into the centre of Oxford at lunchtime…note to self in future.
This was my first visit to the Kassam. It’s an interesting place in many ways particularly with its missing fourth stand, which just adds to the quirkiness of the place. With only one stand open, it made for a lively atmosphere both outside and inside the ground. I found it to be engaging and a place where you’d be happy to bring your family (young or old) to watch rugby. Our host supporters were very friendly which led to good hearted banter during the game. Perhaps, we could learn something from restricting the seats available to the amount of spectators expected at the Mad Stad. I know we have closed the South, but perhaps there’s scope to condense the seats available in the East/West..just a thought…. Anyway, I thought it led to an excellent atmosphere despite the attendance of only 3,500.
So, on to the match itself. Irish started in a positive and clinical fashion, scoring two tries in the first ten minutes and wrapping up the try bonus point within 30 mins. With the score at 7-38 at halftime the match was well over as a contest. Lots of changes abounded in the second half and there was the inevitable drop off in intensity as the match was already won. A further two Irish tries led to a final score of 12-50. An emphatic win for Irish !
Shane, as ever, ran the show, with two tries and a number of conversions, before being rested for the second half. Lewingtons hat trick of tries was as good as against Sarries (well almost!). He looked dangerous every time he got the ball and showed what he can do when we were bossing the game upfront, and he got the space to do damage. If he’s not already on Lancaster’s radar for the future, he should be! Finally, a word for Tom Guest, I thought he had an excellent game again, as he has done in the recent games. He took a lot of stick on this Message Board earlier in the season…with some justification, but is now really showing why we signed him up in the first place !
Banana Skin ?? What Banana Skin!!! Watch out Quins we’re coming for you ! You’re ripe for the taking !
p.s. It a shame that Welsh won’t be in the Premiership next season, good atmosphere, friendly supporters…. I’d certainly have returned, as I really enjoyed the day out, as did my family…for different reasons.
p.p.s. That's two wins from two for me as a reporter, did the Cardiff game at home! ..and NO I'm not doing them every week going forward!
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But I don't think Tom got much stick earlier this season did he?
Smiffy only seemed to bring him on for 10 min cameos and then I think he got crocked...?
Quote:Shawshank
Excellent report Finno
But I don't think Tom got much stick earlier this season did he?
Smiffy only seemed to bring him on for 10 min cameos and then I think he got crocked...?
Perhaps I overstated things...but there was some negative comments as I remember. Anyway, I think he's been a real unsung hero in recent matches...hence my comment..
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2015:03:03:19:32:08 by orsoncart.
His lovely off-load for Alex's second try was straight from the Nick Easter playbook...!