The Craic Team hit Northampton

Barcelona ?
By Griff
October 16 2003

The LISC arranges coaches to most away games. They are, almost without exception, a blast and it amazes me how few people take up the opportunity to join like-minded folk, support your team and generally have a great time.

We came, we saw, we partied !

Saturday 11th October - Franklins Gardens, Northampton.

The weather was superb and there was a fantastic atmosphere as we arrived. The British Heart Foundation walkers had arrived back sometime earlier and were starting to be able to wander around, albeit with associated wincing. As always at FG there was a good natured, happy, expectant crowd gathering at the front of the stadium.

Wigs, boas and drums mingled with the good folk of Northampton. Much discussion of the start of the RWC could be heard, banter was starting and the craic was mighty

Watching the boys warm-up we could see that they knew how big the occasion was, we'd lost a couple of games we shouldn't and they needed to dig deep to win one we were tipped to lose.

Certainly the most entertaining game of rugby I've attended this season ensued. A cracking, open encounter with both sides trying hard to expand the play, stretch the oppositions defence and score through the backs.

At half time I commented to a nearby Saint "It's a pity someone has to lose this"

After a magnificent victory we were warmly congratulated by the home fans, invited to their party and generally made to feel very welcome indeed. The first (but definitely not the last) public rendition of MrsGoz's fine re-work of Barcelona was heard when birthday boy JoeV led the massed drunks in song.

Finally a cheque was presented to the BHF by the fantastic Saints' fund-raisers.

We were poured back onto the coach and sang all the way home, again. Top day.