The Full Monty

After last week’s performance I was extremely optimistic about the game against Gloucester. So much so, I decided to go for the full hospitality package. The commute to the venue seemed to take absolutely no time at all and it is so much better when you don’t have to drive. I was impressed by space allocated in the dining area, but I had thought though, that there would have been more choice on the menu. I was, however, quite happy to settle into the roast beef, Yorkshire pudding, veg and roast potatoes. It would have been nice to wash it down with a couple of pints of the black stuff but apparently it had run out. Chateauneuf Du Pape did very nicely as a replacement. Looks like the Madstad service was being replicated but I had better not complain. (Life’s too short I have been told!)

Following the meal, I made my way to my seat. Now this was good. Much more comfortable than the plastic ones in Reading … padded … and reclining! I was certainly getting my money’s worth.

Despite being just in time for the kick off, on looking around there didn’t seem to be many people watch with me. All I could hear was a solitary voice who appeared to be reading stuff that had been posted on the internet the week before. Never mind, on to the game.

The team selection had me salivating before the start. I am not sure we could have put out a stronger 15 and I know some have their preferences in certain positions but they were on the bench! So, in true London Irish colours … excited, eager in anticipation … filled with trepidation and worried it will all go wrong. COYI!

The game started and straight away after a Coleman hobbled charge down Cowan had scored a try. They kicked off and likewise the same had been repeated at the other end. Did they not hear we talk about trepidation and worry? Very quickly we had fast quick get up and go, fast recycling and Hassell Collins manage to go over in the corner. Not content to then settle my nerves Gloucester do the same and before we have seen 10 minutes of the game 4 tries have been scored. Defence for both sides seem to be an optional commodity.

We need to calm things down and take some control. Time for some more Chateauneuf!

After some good play we had a couple of penalties in their corner but managed to cock up the final 5 meters and as a result the game starts to slow and settle at about the 20 minute mark.

Defence started to happen and we soaked up a bit of Gloucester pressure. There were a couple of close “nearly’s” including Phipps breaking through the lineout and Hassell Collins taking a slightly forward pass in the mid field. After 32 minutes Kepu went off injured again. The game became a bit more obvious for a while with a game of ping pong and we were let off with a knock on when Gloucester had a fast break.

Looking at the pitch it was now tipping down with rain. Looking to the right from my seat all I could however see was blue sky. Strange!

After another penalty in the corner and a yellow card for Gloucester we managed to weave across the try line but failed to get over. With a final penalty in overtime a poor throw allows the half to end without the score. We trail just .. my nerves .. but we can still do this.

The second half starts and after a well worked line out on the short side, Cowan goes over. There is some inventive play from Jackson before we see Cowan give way to O’Brien. We then see Kepu come back on after an HIA for Lovejoy, in what we now know was his last time in a London Irish shirt. For me we did not see the best of him, but I was comfortable with him on the field with his experience.

Back to the game another wedge is created in the corner and after Creevy breaks away we get the bonus point try. Time to breathe more easily? Not on your nelly!
For some reason we tried to playout from our line which resulted in an O’Brien turn over and us camped on our try-line and inevitably a Gloucester try. This is now very much squeaky bum time at 22-21.

Meehan comes on with a haircut that would have got him arrested down most high streets or so the BBC news would lead us to believe.

We end up back in their corner and try as hard as we might we can’t crack the last 5. There were some bright bits including a Meehan break only to be thwarted by a forward pass. We need some luck now. COYI!

Now, I don’t know why they have padded seats I am only using the inch at the edge as we enter the last 10 minutes.

WOW! A great break from Hassell Collins and as it is recycled wide a try for Parton. 29-21 with 7 minutes to go. Tempest once again tried his hardest to penalise us this time Albert for a high tackle but thankfully it was not given.

The kitchen staff come to ask me if I would like another drink. As I said this is comparable to being in the Madstad West stand.

We are now down to the last five minutes and a penalty kick is taken (very unlike Irish) to use up time and give some breathing space. I think I can now breathe a bit easier .. or can I?

Gloucester come right back and score a try in the last minute and there is time for the restart. At 32-26 and deep in their half thankfully 36 decides to settle for the 2 points.

We have another 5 points and the heady heights of 6th in the league.

Now is there any of that Prozac left … I mean Chateauneuf or do I have to open another bottle!