The Stoop - Exit 99 off the M62

By Paul Wilson
February 20 2006

February – first game of the new season and Saints fans, starved of Rugby for several months, are raring to go. First match – Quins away! Still the loyal fans book tickets in their thousands.

Coaches, from the ground and several local watering holes, set off early in the morning even as flakes of snow begin to fall. “Which turn off on the M62 is the Stoop?” the unfamiliar few ask! But the regulars know, having visited 4 or so years ago for matches against London.

The talk is all about league and union teams playing on the same ground. “That’ll never work” one die hard pipes up. “Just imagine LSH and Saints playing in harmony! Completely different set of fans, completely different game!” he spurts. In response the visionary – “I think it’s great! Summer rugby for those who want it and a chance to show off the pace and excitement of an expansive game!” The discussions erupt every hour or so with no particular resolution, but all are in agreement, the Rugby League are full of initiatives and innovations to improve and spread the game beyond “the 62 corridor”. “I love going to live games” one fan in the appropriate colours pipes up. “But to see it at its best, you gotta watch it on Sky!” There’s no doubting their efforts embracing technology and endeavour to create excitement.

We arrive at Twickenham Stoop and everyone to a man (woman and child) love the ground. “This is just the right size for us” they say and “what a change in 4 years”. For a good percentage it is party time and they begin their chants (very limited by football standards) virtually exempt from swear words, or cussing as it is known locally. Some fans spurt out expletives no doubt, but the atmosphere is as always unthreatening, though noisy. As with all rugby fans, they are here to watch the game.
The Union fans I speak to are open to conversion and, though distracted by the noise and atmosphere, are universally friendly. What is immediately apparent is that the League fans know Union rules, but the Union fans in the main are unexposed to league rules, leaving a strangely balanced discussion.

The game itself is disappointing. Both sides are rusty and create too many errors, though Saints are soon in command and never under threat of defeat. Occasional moments of class and one tremendous recovery pass from star man Jamie Lyon raises cheers of praise, but generally the game is unspectacular.

The discussions after the game centre around the Quins’ground and facilities. The car parking, access, layout and services all receive the thumbs up. The capacity looks just right, good atmosphere and club feel mean that everyone is full of praise and can only wonder why a similar set up is not available for the most successful team in Superleague. The fans who arrived early (including myself) enjoyed the pre and mid match entertainment and duly showed their appreciation. Unfortunately, the coaches are set to leave right after the game, otherwise we would have engaged in some post match discussion in the bar – whilst watching the International no doubt.

Most northerners passionately want the venture to succeed in the capital and a good sized crowd for the first game bodes well, though I doubt many visitors will bring so many supporters. We leave hopeful rather than optimistic that Quins will make their mark in league this year – but with a good cup run……