The next round of the PEWC CUP is scheduled for 15th April.
(in reality this is due to commitments and illness for the coaches - we like to play the matches on the same night and lately this has proved impossible to do!
Thursday 3 April 2008
Wednesday 12 March 2008
STOP PRESS ...
As storms swept the country last night the howling wind played havoc with the scheduled games. Kicking was a nightmare but in the end:
Wasps thrashed Saracens by nearly 20 points - Saracens hardly got the ball in hand and when they did they seemed to give it away as well as the TMO again deciding against them. McTague was reported to have said he 'lost the will' in the second half and only a last minute try saved a whitewash. The Wasps seem to be on a real roll at the moment. The next game sees them playing Stad in what may be one of the games of the season!
Stad meanwhile were playing in a gruelling game with the Sharks. The wind played havoc with both sides although a drop goal from inside their own half for Sale owed more than a few metres to the wind! Mistakes were made at both ends and Sale's defence on the try line was awesome. Twice they stopped Stad from driving over from close, although with the TMO's help on one of the drives. A couple of mistakes resulting in obstruction cost Sale a chance of victory.
The reports we are getting back is that foul play was almost eradicated from both games as high tackles and professional fouls were clamped down on by the officials.
Roll on the next round!
Wasps thrashed Saracens by nearly 20 points - Saracens hardly got the ball in hand and when they did they seemed to give it away as well as the TMO again deciding against them. McTague was reported to have said he 'lost the will' in the second half and only a last minute try saved a whitewash. The Wasps seem to be on a real roll at the moment. The next game sees them playing Stad in what may be one of the games of the season!
Stad meanwhile were playing in a gruelling game with the Sharks. The wind played havoc with both sides although a drop goal from inside their own half for Sale owed more than a few metres to the wind! Mistakes were made at both ends and Sale's defence on the try line was awesome. Twice they stopped Stad from driving over from close, although with the TMO's help on one of the drives. A couple of mistakes resulting in obstruction cost Sale a chance of victory.
The reports we are getting back is that foul play was almost eradicated from both games as high tackles and professional fouls were clamped down on by the officials.
Roll on the next round!
Sunday 9 March 2008
Crunch games loom ...
Tuesday evening sees some crunch games in the PEWC CUP. After a couple of weeks mid season layoff the teams will be welcoming their players back from the Six Nations and eager to get into the action.
The games on Tuesday kick off off at 7:30pm:
Sale at home to Stad
Saracens at home to Wasps
The Saracens v. Wasps game is seen by many to be a 'grudge' match as tempers were high in their last affair between both coaches and players. Fase the Wasps coach will want to keep their momentum going after a near run thing with Stad and then their thrashing of Sale their confidence will be high. Saracens last match was the grind against Stad and they will feel they have enough power to beat Wasps.
Sale and Stad produced a good open match last time and the crowd will be hoping for much of the same this time around. The big question is, can Sale bounce back from the heavy defeat they took at Wasps last match?
The weather for both matches for Tuesday is looking bad ... hopefully the full storm winds and rains will have passed but we will have to wait and see.
The refs have been ordered to clamp down on dirty play in the Cup and players can expect not to get away with as much niggly play around the tackle area.
(In game terms any ref rolls will only be done on a 5 or less as a pass - rerolls will be on a 5 as well and only allowed for dirty play, technical infringements will not get a re roll)
The games on Tuesday kick off off at 7:30pm:
Sale at home to Stad
Saracens at home to Wasps
The Saracens v. Wasps game is seen by many to be a 'grudge' match as tempers were high in their last affair between both coaches and players. Fase the Wasps coach will want to keep their momentum going after a near run thing with Stad and then their thrashing of Sale their confidence will be high. Saracens last match was the grind against Stad and they will feel they have enough power to beat Wasps.
Sale and Stad produced a good open match last time and the crowd will be hoping for much of the same this time around. The big question is, can Sale bounce back from the heavy defeat they took at Wasps last match?
The weather for both matches for Tuesday is looking bad ... hopefully the full storm winds and rains will have passed but we will have to wait and see.
The refs have been ordered to clamp down on dirty play in the Cup and players can expect not to get away with as much niggly play around the tackle area.
(In game terms any ref rolls will only be done on a 5 or less as a pass - rerolls will be on a 5 as well and only allowed for dirty play, technical infringements will not get a re roll)
Thursday 14 February 2008
Wasps docked money over breach of contract ...
Horizon Sports have announced this afternoon that following the news that Wasps are now releasing articles to other media sources (namely the NLG) before HS and they see this as a severe breach of contract ...
They have therefore decided that the bonus money on offer for tries in this Valentines Special week has been withheld indefinately. They are also looking into other irregularities concerning the NLG, which has close links with the Neo Nazi organisations in the North London area, and the conduct of the Wasps coach on the internet where he is allegedly reported to have his 'tag' lines as:
"North London warriors womp the Frogs and Flat Caps!"
"Sod off Sarkozy, Horizon for the high jump!"
The European Union are looking into this crass national stereotyping and yet another damning report is emerging of Fase having models of Nazi soldiers in his personal possession and books with German Uniforms of World War II in them ... Horizon News is looking into this allegations as we speak.
They have therefore decided that the bonus money on offer for tries in this Valentines Special week has been withheld indefinately. They are also looking into other irregularities concerning the NLG, which has close links with the Neo Nazi organisations in the North London area, and the conduct of the Wasps coach on the internet where he is allegedly reported to have his 'tag' lines as:
"North London warriors womp the Frogs and Flat Caps!"
"Sod off Sarkozy, Horizon for the high jump!"
The European Union are looking into this crass national stereotyping and yet another damning report is emerging of Fase having models of Nazi soldiers in his personal possession and books with German Uniforms of World War II in them ... Horizon News is looking into this allegations as we speak.
Now they want to talk ...
It appears that Wasps are now talking to the press again ... at the offices of their proud new sponsor Fase gave a brief press conference:
“The boys really delivered on the form that they’ve been promising, I really couldn’t have been happier with that performance.”
“The whole team functioned as a cohesive unit with very few errors. The forwards fought aggressively at every breakdown giving the backs the opportunity to exploit the gaps that they created.”
“We had to defend hard against early Sale pressure but we dominated possession and shut them down and then out of the game comprehensively.”
“Reddan and Sackey once again showed their international quality but Danny Cipriani has to be MoTM. He was involved in all three try, scoring the first himself and converting well. A good performance considering the criticism he caught from last Saturday.”
“Plenty of respect to Sale, they played a good clean game but simply couldn’t make anything work for them. The exact opposite of when we last met them.”
“They didn’t make life easy for us but their errors gave us opportunities that we made the most of.”
“Commiserations to Dawe, but as he was so keen to point out it was boys against men out there.”
“As for the Stade, Sarries game, a dark day indeed. Both teams showed their true colours, that’s how they’ve been playing for the majority of the league.”
“The fact that they haven’t been docked points is an absolute travesty.”
“The entire incident simply shows the massive lack of respect that both teams have for the game, the teams and most worryingly of all the fans at large.”
“Once again, men and boys!”
It appears the teams are back into full on sledging mode ...
“The boys really delivered on the form that they’ve been promising, I really couldn’t have been happier with that performance.”
“The whole team functioned as a cohesive unit with very few errors. The forwards fought aggressively at every breakdown giving the backs the opportunity to exploit the gaps that they created.”
“We had to defend hard against early Sale pressure but we dominated possession and shut them down and then out of the game comprehensively.”
“Reddan and Sackey once again showed their international quality but Danny Cipriani has to be MoTM. He was involved in all three try, scoring the first himself and converting well. A good performance considering the criticism he caught from last Saturday.”
“Plenty of respect to Sale, they played a good clean game but simply couldn’t make anything work for them. The exact opposite of when we last met them.”
“They didn’t make life easy for us but their errors gave us opportunities that we made the most of.”
“Commiserations to Dawe, but as he was so keen to point out it was boys against men out there.”
“As for the Stade, Sarries game, a dark day indeed. Both teams showed their true colours, that’s how they’ve been playing for the majority of the league.”
“The fact that they haven’t been docked points is an absolute travesty.”
“The entire incident simply shows the massive lack of respect that both teams have for the game, the teams and most worryingly of all the fans at large.”
“Once again, men and boys!”
It appears the teams are back into full on sledging mode ...
Wednesday 13 February 2008
Yet another International Incident ...
This time it is the Saracens coach, McTague, who has enraged the French and Italian governments who are calling for him to lose his position ... he gave the following press conference infront of an international press core ...
"Hi guys, well that was an exiting game wasn't it....
A return to the 'glory days' of tough man to man action....
especially after the last 2 weeks of gradually pandering to the softer side of the game....
Yes, some banter was exchanged between the 2 dugouts, but i think the result was fair
the TMO decision righting pass wrongs.... not quite revenge, but certainly evened out
My MotM, well it has to be the Stad No 9 for getting away with upward of 8 forward knock ons in the breakdown without the ref seeing it
the ref was a joke... if he had called every infraction that score line would have been a very different sight, Stad had a nightmare out there, were it not for the 'inspired' actions going on it would have been a full on win for us... I guess it will be called 'carry on cheating' when they release the final highlights
Yes, tackles went in hard and fast, high and low, on both sides..... when you put a bounty on tries that will happen, combined with the French trying to compensate for 2 world wars.... its not surprising they had to bring the Italians in for some 'in-spine-ration', still we are used to these 'hand of god' moments in England
Penney is now out for the rest of the season and our other winger is out for the next match, its the nature of playing a hard game.. its why we have replacements that are on a par with these great 'heroes' that are targeted by lesser players.
cheers guys
see ya 2 weeks"
"Hi guys, well that was an exiting game wasn't it....
A return to the 'glory days' of tough man to man action....
especially after the last 2 weeks of gradually pandering to the softer side of the game....
Yes, some banter was exchanged between the 2 dugouts, but i think the result was fair
the TMO decision righting pass wrongs.... not quite revenge, but certainly evened out
My MotM, well it has to be the Stad No 9 for getting away with upward of 8 forward knock ons in the breakdown without the ref seeing it
the ref was a joke... if he had called every infraction that score line would have been a very different sight, Stad had a nightmare out there, were it not for the 'inspired' actions going on it would have been a full on win for us... I guess it will be called 'carry on cheating' when they release the final highlights
Yes, tackles went in hard and fast, high and low, on both sides..... when you put a bounty on tries that will happen, combined with the French trying to compensate for 2 world wars.... its not surprising they had to bring the Italians in for some 'in-spine-ration', still we are used to these 'hand of god' moments in England
Penney is now out for the rest of the season and our other winger is out for the next match, its the nature of playing a hard game.. its why we have replacements that are on a par with these great 'heroes' that are targeted by lesser players.
cheers guys
see ya 2 weeks"
Latest News ...
The Board have decided not to dock points off Stad Francais and Saracens. However in a statement issued earlier they reported that both coaches would be spoken to for their comments made before, during and after the game. They also revealed that Refs would be instructed to clamp down on any infringement of the types we saw last night in a more severe manner.
So as we enter the 2 week break from competition the table stands as:
Stad Francais played 4 won 3 points 14
Sale Sharks played 4 won 2 points 10
So as we enter the 2 week break from competition the table stands as:
Stad Francais played 4 won 3 points 14
Sale Sharks played 4 won 2 points 10
London Wasps played 4 won 1 points 7 (plus an extra 15000 try bonus)
Saracens played 4 won 0 points 5
A DARK SIDE TO THE GAME ...
Tonight North London was the scene for what could be the start of the Wasps comeback … the crowds flocked in to see the Wasps batter a lack lustre Sharks side by 3 tries to nil. The whole team looked tighter tonight and they seemed to have stemmed the run of basic mistakes which has cost them so dearly in the last few weeks. More from our ‘at the ground’ reporters tomorrow as our attention must turn to the fireworks seen in Paris …
A VALENTINE’S DAY MASSACRE …
Horizon Sports camera were witness to what can only be described as a blood bath tonight … the young French men who had taken their Valentines to see the ‘gentleman’s game’ must have rued their decision as the match, which finished scoreless, was the most vicious encounter we have seen since the infamous Lions tour matches of South Africa. It was obvious from the outset that Saracens had gone to Paris intent on ‘revenge’ and to win at ANY cost, after the first 3 minutes it was plain that Stad were not going to let their unbeaten streak come to an end at ANY cost. Pre match sledging by the Saracens coach was followed by reported anti-French comments directed at the Stad players throughout the game and ended with Saracens losing 3 key players through injury, some for the entire season.
It all seemed to start about 15 minutes into the half from a Hernandez cross kick which went astray leading to a break from the Saracen winger, who had in training been showing a great deal of skill (skill loaded). Corleto raced back to make the tackle, it is claimed that it was at this point the Saracen players heard Parrise shout to the fullback to ‘put him out the game’. Corleto hesitated on making the tackle but was spurred on by Parrise into making, what to many seemed like, a head high dangerous tackle, this left the winger on the deck and we believe out for quite a few games. While the Saracen players rushed in to let their opinions be known it seemed like the ref was unsighted, Stad gathered and hoofed a long long kick down field. (Parrise was now an ‘inspiring’ player and the ref roll for the tackle was passed on a reroll using his ability) McTague was livid on the touchline. The situation was tense and it seemed like the players were forever niggling each other, the dirty play was stifling the game but seemed to go unnoticed by the Irish Ref. It was from another Hernandez cross kick and gather that the game really went down hill. As the Stad center rose to catch the ball he was blatantly taken out by the Saracens prop which resulted in the only sin bin of the entire game. It was such a horrendous spearing that even McTague was reported to be amazed at how the player was not sent off! Hernandez kicked into the corner and Parisse seemed to be directing the French team and generally getting under the Saracen players skin. The last play of the half and De Villiers drove over from the lineout as the Saracen players were calling the throw not straight (another reroll due to Parisse) He carried 3 Saracen players over the line with him (hand off and crash tackle) and appeared to have grounded the ball easily. In an mirror image of the previous game the TMO ruled that the ball was held up and the players went into the changing rooms in uproar … McTague was at this point threatening to ‘chin’ Parisse himself!
It was at the start of the second half that the ref, who had shown no real authority so far, completely lost control of the game. In an obvious planned move the Stad kick off targeted the prop fresh from his sin bin, again with Parrise seeming to encourage them a high hit was put in which dislodged the ball. Mctague was fuming on the touchline again and from that point on we can honestly say there was not a phase of play which did not involve a number of high tackles, dangerous double spearings and over zealous use of the boot in the rucks. Both sides were equally at fault although many the other coaches would agree that Penney (who has been the target of many a complaint this season) got his payback. After being involved in a particularly nasty tackle to Hernandez he found himself pulled into the resulting ruck, severely worked over and apparently out for the rest of the season!
The referee was having a shocking day, perhaps there was too much to be keeping an eye on, and appeared to miss everything. There was not even a hint of a yellow card as players were being dropped all over the field on every play that seemed like it may produce a score. Stad came closest to scoring … in the very last second it seemed that Saubade was away, a kick through and gather from Hernandez had released him through the middle and it seemed that no one could catch him until the Saracen captain De Kock seemed to find sudden pace (break away) and shoulder charge him down. It appeared to all in the ground to be a blatant charge and not a tackle … but again the ref let play go on. From the resulting confusion a Stad player must have retaliated as the Ref gave Saracens a penalty which was quickly put into touch ending a very sordid game.
Horizon Sports hope that McTague is not going to do the silent treatment again as there are lots of questions to be answered about the game … we managed a quick word with Jones after the match who didn’t let us get a question in …
“What we saw out there tonight was a disgrace to what we call ‘God’s Game’ … I admit my side were not wholly innocent but it was not us that started it. The Saracen players are claiming that Parisse was urging dirty play, I think that they are mistranslating his rousing shouts, remember his mother tongue is Italian, his French is a bit ‘ropey’ as encouraging dirty play. Even if it was though it would still not be any excuse for the way Saracens played the game, I don’t think they made a ‘normal’ tackle the entire second half … how can you play against an attitude like that!
As for the Ref .. don’t get me started, players on both teams were getting away with almost literal murder out there … no one likes to see any one get hurt but saying that I think Penney got what was coming his way. I believe McTague had made some comment in the first half about our team being a bunch of ‘french tarts, little girls’. If that is the case then his mighty team just got ‘beaten up’ by a bunch of ‘girls’ as it is not us with a couple of players in hospital!
That TMO call … never seen anything like it, the ball was clearly down, but in rugby nowadays I think you have to roll with the punch there … win some and lose some. The actual score pales into insignificance to what we witnessed out there tonight … it was closer to ‘Rollerball’ then the PEWC CUP”
Breaking News … it seems like an emergency meeting of the PRB (Pewc Rugby Board) is going to recommend that both teams be docked 2 points for their failure to control their players in tonights game. A spokesman has said,
“We can not be seen as taking no action against clubs who act in such ways … as for the referee I think we can safely say Mr Stiles will not be refereeing another rugby match again … reports are he is going to concentrate on soccer from now on!”
Great television but a dark evening for the game – Horizon Sports will not be showing re runs of the game as we normally do for fear of it having a negative influence on our young budding players!
A VALENTINE’S DAY MASSACRE …
Horizon Sports camera were witness to what can only be described as a blood bath tonight … the young French men who had taken their Valentines to see the ‘gentleman’s game’ must have rued their decision as the match, which finished scoreless, was the most vicious encounter we have seen since the infamous Lions tour matches of South Africa. It was obvious from the outset that Saracens had gone to Paris intent on ‘revenge’ and to win at ANY cost, after the first 3 minutes it was plain that Stad were not going to let their unbeaten streak come to an end at ANY cost. Pre match sledging by the Saracens coach was followed by reported anti-French comments directed at the Stad players throughout the game and ended with Saracens losing 3 key players through injury, some for the entire season.
It all seemed to start about 15 minutes into the half from a Hernandez cross kick which went astray leading to a break from the Saracen winger, who had in training been showing a great deal of skill (skill loaded). Corleto raced back to make the tackle, it is claimed that it was at this point the Saracen players heard Parrise shout to the fullback to ‘put him out the game’. Corleto hesitated on making the tackle but was spurred on by Parrise into making, what to many seemed like, a head high dangerous tackle, this left the winger on the deck and we believe out for quite a few games. While the Saracen players rushed in to let their opinions be known it seemed like the ref was unsighted, Stad gathered and hoofed a long long kick down field. (Parrise was now an ‘inspiring’ player and the ref roll for the tackle was passed on a reroll using his ability) McTague was livid on the touchline. The situation was tense and it seemed like the players were forever niggling each other, the dirty play was stifling the game but seemed to go unnoticed by the Irish Ref. It was from another Hernandez cross kick and gather that the game really went down hill. As the Stad center rose to catch the ball he was blatantly taken out by the Saracens prop which resulted in the only sin bin of the entire game. It was such a horrendous spearing that even McTague was reported to be amazed at how the player was not sent off! Hernandez kicked into the corner and Parisse seemed to be directing the French team and generally getting under the Saracen players skin. The last play of the half and De Villiers drove over from the lineout as the Saracen players were calling the throw not straight (another reroll due to Parisse) He carried 3 Saracen players over the line with him (hand off and crash tackle) and appeared to have grounded the ball easily. In an mirror image of the previous game the TMO ruled that the ball was held up and the players went into the changing rooms in uproar … McTague was at this point threatening to ‘chin’ Parisse himself!
It was at the start of the second half that the ref, who had shown no real authority so far, completely lost control of the game. In an obvious planned move the Stad kick off targeted the prop fresh from his sin bin, again with Parrise seeming to encourage them a high hit was put in which dislodged the ball. Mctague was fuming on the touchline again and from that point on we can honestly say there was not a phase of play which did not involve a number of high tackles, dangerous double spearings and over zealous use of the boot in the rucks. Both sides were equally at fault although many the other coaches would agree that Penney (who has been the target of many a complaint this season) got his payback. After being involved in a particularly nasty tackle to Hernandez he found himself pulled into the resulting ruck, severely worked over and apparently out for the rest of the season!
The referee was having a shocking day, perhaps there was too much to be keeping an eye on, and appeared to miss everything. There was not even a hint of a yellow card as players were being dropped all over the field on every play that seemed like it may produce a score. Stad came closest to scoring … in the very last second it seemed that Saubade was away, a kick through and gather from Hernandez had released him through the middle and it seemed that no one could catch him until the Saracen captain De Kock seemed to find sudden pace (break away) and shoulder charge him down. It appeared to all in the ground to be a blatant charge and not a tackle … but again the ref let play go on. From the resulting confusion a Stad player must have retaliated as the Ref gave Saracens a penalty which was quickly put into touch ending a very sordid game.
Horizon Sports hope that McTague is not going to do the silent treatment again as there are lots of questions to be answered about the game … we managed a quick word with Jones after the match who didn’t let us get a question in …
“What we saw out there tonight was a disgrace to what we call ‘God’s Game’ … I admit my side were not wholly innocent but it was not us that started it. The Saracen players are claiming that Parisse was urging dirty play, I think that they are mistranslating his rousing shouts, remember his mother tongue is Italian, his French is a bit ‘ropey’ as encouraging dirty play. Even if it was though it would still not be any excuse for the way Saracens played the game, I don’t think they made a ‘normal’ tackle the entire second half … how can you play against an attitude like that!
As for the Ref .. don’t get me started, players on both teams were getting away with almost literal murder out there … no one likes to see any one get hurt but saying that I think Penney got what was coming his way. I believe McTague had made some comment in the first half about our team being a bunch of ‘french tarts, little girls’. If that is the case then his mighty team just got ‘beaten up’ by a bunch of ‘girls’ as it is not us with a couple of players in hospital!
That TMO call … never seen anything like it, the ball was clearly down, but in rugby nowadays I think you have to roll with the punch there … win some and lose some. The actual score pales into insignificance to what we witnessed out there tonight … it was closer to ‘Rollerball’ then the PEWC CUP”
Breaking News … it seems like an emergency meeting of the PRB (Pewc Rugby Board) is going to recommend that both teams be docked 2 points for their failure to control their players in tonights game. A spokesman has said,
“We can not be seen as taking no action against clubs who act in such ways … as for the referee I think we can safely say Mr Stiles will not be refereeing another rugby match again … reports are he is going to concentrate on soccer from now on!”
Great television but a dark evening for the game – Horizon Sports will not be showing re runs of the game as we normally do for fear of it having a negative influence on our young budding players!
Monday 11 February 2008
THE BIG INCENTIVE ...
Horizon Sports today announced record earnings from the first three rounds of matches in the PEWC CUP. A spokesman announced that the competition had far exceeded their projected viewing figures, mainly they felt because of the controversy that has surrounded the matches. They have already contacted the clubs to extend the competition to 8 matches and have given each club a very healthy 60000 credit bonus to enhance their existing squads.
So the next round of matches have been rescheduled and will see:
Stad Francais v. Saracens – will Saracens be able to perform as well in Paris?London Wasps v. Sale – another grudge match is in store, can Wasps sting?
So the next round of matches have been rescheduled and will see:
Stad Francais v. Saracens – will Saracens be able to perform as well in Paris?London Wasps v. Sale – another grudge match is in store, can Wasps sting?
Thursday 7 February 2008
McTague breaks his silence ...
Earlier today we heard the Saracens owner had words with their coach McTague about his lack of press conferences lately … this resulted in the coach calling a press conference this afternoon, no doubt happy he wasn’t in Fase’s shoes!
When asked why he had maintained his press silence over the last couple of weeks he had this to say …
“to an some extent I was very disappointed with the Stad game, which should have been ours, that TMO decision being a particularly low point for the team and me, that following the first games accusations of thuggery... it seems that most coaches can only pump them selves up by 'bullyin' the managers of the teams that just aren’t performing on the night.... we have spent the off weeks reflecting on lessons learnt and taking into account press reactions, and went out the other night against Sale with a much more positive attitude, despite other managers feelings we played a good, hard clean game and left with nothing in the bank, yet again.”
When asked why his team seemed so lack lustre in the Sale match he responded …
“Sale came out and scored from the off, followed by a try, by half time we had drawn back to within 3, the second half was just there game, you can only score if you get the ball, we managed to get the ball once, and scored, unfortunately they had already got the ball twice by then.”
Penney has been having Anger Management counselling for some borderline play in the first 2 games, but now I think it is time we swap his councillor for a boxing ring and then just let him do his thing, the refs seem to like what he does and it does generate more chances for us to exploit, IF he had taken the 2 try scorers in the second half instead of holding back and effectively signalling his tackle that score line would reflect what happened out there much more.”
So not a lot but considering the furore caused by Mr Fase I am sure not many people higher up in the rugby world will mind!
When asked why he had maintained his press silence over the last couple of weeks he had this to say …
“to an some extent I was very disappointed with the Stad game, which should have been ours, that TMO decision being a particularly low point for the team and me, that following the first games accusations of thuggery... it seems that most coaches can only pump them selves up by 'bullyin' the managers of the teams that just aren’t performing on the night.... we have spent the off weeks reflecting on lessons learnt and taking into account press reactions, and went out the other night against Sale with a much more positive attitude, despite other managers feelings we played a good, hard clean game and left with nothing in the bank, yet again.”
When asked why his team seemed so lack lustre in the Sale match he responded …
“Sale came out and scored from the off, followed by a try, by half time we had drawn back to within 3, the second half was just there game, you can only score if you get the ball, we managed to get the ball once, and scored, unfortunately they had already got the ball twice by then.”
Penney has been having Anger Management counselling for some borderline play in the first 2 games, but now I think it is time we swap his councillor for a boxing ring and then just let him do his thing, the refs seem to like what he does and it does generate more chances for us to exploit, IF he had taken the 2 try scorers in the second half instead of holding back and effectively signalling his tackle that score line would reflect what happened out there much more.”
So not a lot but considering the furore caused by Mr Fase I am sure not many people higher up in the rugby world will mind!
Breaking News ...
Fase triggers an international incident …
Although not talking to Horizon media it appears that Fase (the Wasps coach) has been talking quite liberally to the North London Gazette. In his unprecedented outburst he has sparked an international incident, he is quoted in the NLG as calling the French team Stad Francais;
“ … a team of snail grubbers and surrender monkeys!”
Nicolas Sarkozy the French President contacted Gordon Brown to relay his disgust with the comment which he says disrespects the great French cuisine! Sarkozy has labelled the Wasps Coach as a racist and it seems clear that this issue is not going away … Wasps can expect a hot reception when they visit Paris for the return match!
But he didn’t appear to stop there as he is also quoted as saying about the Horizon studio pundits;
“Personally, I’m not interested in the biased opinions of those who can’t hack it anymore.”
The Stad coach was also labelled as a whinger and the officials came in for abuse throughout the short article. All in all we suspect someone from the IRB will be contacting Mr Fase fairly shortly!
In less controversial mood Fase mused on the rest of the season …
“At Wasps, there’s plenty to play for throughout the remainder of the season. Next week’s return for Saracens is obviously a crunch match and I’m sure that both teams will be well motivated.”
Let’s hope he still has a job when he visits Stad Paris … our pundits will be there to greet him!
Although not talking to Horizon media it appears that Fase (the Wasps coach) has been talking quite liberally to the North London Gazette. In his unprecedented outburst he has sparked an international incident, he is quoted in the NLG as calling the French team Stad Francais;
“ … a team of snail grubbers and surrender monkeys!”
Nicolas Sarkozy the French President contacted Gordon Brown to relay his disgust with the comment which he says disrespects the great French cuisine! Sarkozy has labelled the Wasps Coach as a racist and it seems clear that this issue is not going away … Wasps can expect a hot reception when they visit Paris for the return match!
But he didn’t appear to stop there as he is also quoted as saying about the Horizon studio pundits;
“Personally, I’m not interested in the biased opinions of those who can’t hack it anymore.”
The Stad coach was also labelled as a whinger and the officials came in for abuse throughout the short article. All in all we suspect someone from the IRB will be contacting Mr Fase fairly shortly!
In less controversial mood Fase mused on the rest of the season …
“At Wasps, there’s plenty to play for throughout the remainder of the season. Next week’s return for Saracens is obviously a crunch match and I’m sure that both teams will be well motivated.”
Let’s hope he still has a job when he visits Stad Paris … our pundits will be there to greet him!
Wednesday 6 February 2008
The war of ... well no words!
The dust is just beginning to settle on last nights events ... it is becoming increasingly clear who the top teams are, the solid reliability and bite of the Sharks and the surf boy flair of Stad Francais. Saracens and Wasps are beginning to turn into shadows of the great teams we tend to associate with their names. We will hear from the Sharks and Stad's coaches in a minute. But firstly we are saddened to report that in a move more akin to 'spoilt boy' football coaches McTague, and seemingly Fase to, are refusing to talk to the media in general and Horizon Sports in particular. McTague is even reported to have been heard saying he blames the TV station for providing the images that allowed the TMO in the Stad/Saracen match to make the correct decision and call the Saracen try as 'not grounded'. After last nights match both the Wasps and the Saracens coaches seemed to want to blame anyone but their team - sad days indeed if 'God's Game' is to go down the same road as soccer ...
Jones, the Stad coach, was willing to take a minutes break from signing Stad Francais shirts in a children's hospice to talk to our reporter Rachael Wood so long as he could get back to helping bring a little joy to the children's lives as soon as possible:
Coach, what did you make of tonights game?
Frankly Rachael I was very disappointed in the team, we should have put the nail in Wasps coffin within the first 20 minutes. We missed at least 4 golden try scoring opportunites in the first half alone. Not only was it in attack that we played well below par, our defence was terrible. We made more errors in the second half than in the other two games put together. Let's face it their only score came from our mistake and all their other chances were as a direct result of our bad play. If it hadn't been for a few decent hits from a couple of players, and I have spoken to the officials after the match who assured me they saw nothing but clean fair tackles, whatever Fase may try and say, we could have been in real trouble. We really should have come out of last nights match with 6 points and I am very upset that we didn't. Training in the next couple of weeks is going to be very hard believe me!!
The match between the top two should be one worth waiting for ... the match between the Wasps and Saracens is going to be a close, possibly bloody affair - if we are allowed to cover it!!
Jones, the Stad coach, was willing to take a minutes break from signing Stad Francais shirts in a children's hospice to talk to our reporter Rachael Wood so long as he could get back to helping bring a little joy to the children's lives as soon as possible:
Coach, what did you make of tonights game?
Frankly Rachael I was very disappointed in the team, we should have put the nail in Wasps coffin within the first 20 minutes. We missed at least 4 golden try scoring opportunites in the first half alone. Not only was it in attack that we played well below par, our defence was terrible. We made more errors in the second half than in the other two games put together. Let's face it their only score came from our mistake and all their other chances were as a direct result of our bad play. If it hadn't been for a few decent hits from a couple of players, and I have spoken to the officials after the match who assured me they saw nothing but clean fair tackles, whatever Fase may try and say, we could have been in real trouble. We really should have come out of last nights match with 6 points and I am very upset that we didn't. Training in the next couple of weeks is going to be very hard believe me!!
The match between the top two should be one worth waiting for ... the match between the Wasps and Saracens is going to be a close, possibly bloody affair - if we are allowed to cover it!!
Jones and his French team nearly meet their 'Waterloo' ...
A Near Run Thing ….
The French Champions took a quick Eurostar journey from Paris and arrived in London the day before the match. Reports were they were so relaxed that they spent the day shopping before heading off to North London for the evening kick-off. They nearly paid the price for being too confident and relaxed. Jones rested Hernandez, placing him on the bench. The crowd in North London was poor, reflective perhaps of the lack of confidence hanging over Wasps as they prop the table up.
It looked as if the French side were going to cruise to a good victory as a long kick off was chased by the Stad wingers and Waps were pinned on their own line. A snaffled ruck saw De Villiers crash over the line, Corleto converted with ease. Possibly Stad then went to sleep as the kick off wasn’t dealt with efficiently and suddenly Sackey was streaking down the unprotected flank to score. The only good thing for Stad was that he was so wide the conversion was missed. Jones decided at this point to bring Hernandez on as the kicking was going to prove important.
The next ten minutes or so saw the game played in the middle of the park. A big break by Saubade was just checked by Flutey but it was only a simple pick up which stood between the supporting backs and the try line. In their rush to get the ball they handled the ball in what the referee considered to be a ruck … the resulting penalty was hoofed up field by Wasps, worse still Saubade had to go off for a blood injury. Wasps broke from the lineout and only a very high tackle by Parrisse stopped the North London side from going in at half time with a shock lead! Parrisse found himself in the sin bin, many feeling he was lucky not to get a red.
The start of the second half saw Stad in trouble from a long kick again. Corleto caught the kick well, but then did a howler of a kick which skidded towards the advancing Wasps pack. Dalalgio picked the ball up and charged forward, then he dummied a pass which caught his own players out more than the Stad defence … Shaw ran infront of him and the ref had no option but to call him for obstruction as he stopped at least 4 Stad defenders from getting to Dalalgio. Hernandez showed his quality and put an extremely long kick (pressure kick, torpedo kicker plus massive kick) into the corner, from the resulting line out Parisse (returning from the sin bin) broke on the blind side of a maul, flip passing it in the tackle for Dominici to stroll into the corner, the retreating Wasp players deciding not to tackle him in an offside position believing they would catch him before he could make the line (two break away cards). It was at this point that our reporters swear they saw Fase storm from the touchlines and into the changing rooms!
Wasps dropped their heads, they know they had messed up some golden opportunities and knew equally well that opportunities against Stad (even when they are playing badly) were few and far between. 14-5 to Stad at half time …
The second half started with a nightmare for Wasps as their kick was sliced so badly by Cipriani it went behind the half way line. From the resulting scrum Saubade linked up with Parisse to cut through the Wasp defence again … like before however the normal Stad cool play let them down. They failed to gather from a ruck 9m from the Wasps try line, and then from the resulting line out they lost their own ball and Wasps were breaking down the wing. Desperate cover defence saw Corleto putting in a huge hit on Blin that, yet again saw Fase screaming foul play, the ref saw it as a fair hard tackle and the French quarter of the crowd were suggesting that Fase should take to coaching netball as contact in that sport is not allowed – the studio panel tend to agree. With time running Stad took a massive risk, running it out of their 22m area. Corleto misjudged a kick into space and the ball bobbled down field into the hands of the waiting Wasp backs. As the hooter went they saw the chance for a point as they could narrow the victory to less than 7 points … they had Stad on the back foot and seemed certain to score when again the Wasp backs went offside at a maul en-mass. Hernandez was tempted by the quick tap but regained his sense and slotted the ball out … Jones narrowly escaped his ‘Waterloo’ Fase will rue missed chances and no doubt the ref will come in for some of the blame!
The French Champions took a quick Eurostar journey from Paris and arrived in London the day before the match. Reports were they were so relaxed that they spent the day shopping before heading off to North London for the evening kick-off. They nearly paid the price for being too confident and relaxed. Jones rested Hernandez, placing him on the bench. The crowd in North London was poor, reflective perhaps of the lack of confidence hanging over Wasps as they prop the table up.
It looked as if the French side were going to cruise to a good victory as a long kick off was chased by the Stad wingers and Waps were pinned on their own line. A snaffled ruck saw De Villiers crash over the line, Corleto converted with ease. Possibly Stad then went to sleep as the kick off wasn’t dealt with efficiently and suddenly Sackey was streaking down the unprotected flank to score. The only good thing for Stad was that he was so wide the conversion was missed. Jones decided at this point to bring Hernandez on as the kicking was going to prove important.
The next ten minutes or so saw the game played in the middle of the park. A big break by Saubade was just checked by Flutey but it was only a simple pick up which stood between the supporting backs and the try line. In their rush to get the ball they handled the ball in what the referee considered to be a ruck … the resulting penalty was hoofed up field by Wasps, worse still Saubade had to go off for a blood injury. Wasps broke from the lineout and only a very high tackle by Parrisse stopped the North London side from going in at half time with a shock lead! Parrisse found himself in the sin bin, many feeling he was lucky not to get a red.
The start of the second half saw Stad in trouble from a long kick again. Corleto caught the kick well, but then did a howler of a kick which skidded towards the advancing Wasps pack. Dalalgio picked the ball up and charged forward, then he dummied a pass which caught his own players out more than the Stad defence … Shaw ran infront of him and the ref had no option but to call him for obstruction as he stopped at least 4 Stad defenders from getting to Dalalgio. Hernandez showed his quality and put an extremely long kick (pressure kick, torpedo kicker plus massive kick) into the corner, from the resulting line out Parisse (returning from the sin bin) broke on the blind side of a maul, flip passing it in the tackle for Dominici to stroll into the corner, the retreating Wasp players deciding not to tackle him in an offside position believing they would catch him before he could make the line (two break away cards). It was at this point that our reporters swear they saw Fase storm from the touchlines and into the changing rooms!
Wasps dropped their heads, they know they had messed up some golden opportunities and knew equally well that opportunities against Stad (even when they are playing badly) were few and far between. 14-5 to Stad at half time …
The second half started with a nightmare for Wasps as their kick was sliced so badly by Cipriani it went behind the half way line. From the resulting scrum Saubade linked up with Parisse to cut through the Wasp defence again … like before however the normal Stad cool play let them down. They failed to gather from a ruck 9m from the Wasps try line, and then from the resulting line out they lost their own ball and Wasps were breaking down the wing. Desperate cover defence saw Corleto putting in a huge hit on Blin that, yet again saw Fase screaming foul play, the ref saw it as a fair hard tackle and the French quarter of the crowd were suggesting that Fase should take to coaching netball as contact in that sport is not allowed – the studio panel tend to agree. With time running Stad took a massive risk, running it out of their 22m area. Corleto misjudged a kick into space and the ball bobbled down field into the hands of the waiting Wasp backs. As the hooter went they saw the chance for a point as they could narrow the victory to less than 7 points … they had Stad on the back foot and seemed certain to score when again the Wasp backs went offside at a maul en-mass. Hernandez was tempted by the quick tap but regained his sense and slotted the ball out … Jones narrowly escaped his ‘Waterloo’ Fase will rue missed chances and no doubt the ref will come in for some of the blame!
Saracens feel the bite ...
Steve Thomas our man on the touchline has sent in this report on last nights match …
Sale received the kick off which went back to the second row forwards , White caught the ball and moved out wide handing off a Saracens tackle and then passed out to Lamont (who recovered from his knock at the weekend very quickly) who in typical fashion burst through the defence and was away, a stout back row defence from Saracens saw a mass ruck in the Sarries 30 yard area. Saracens came out with the ball and ground forward, unfortunately a couple of solid Shark tackles saw a knock on and possession went to the Sharks , penalty kick gave Sharks position on the line out, which they won and then a quick pass from Wigglesworth saw Charlie Hodgson drop kick from the Saracens’ 10 metre line for three points.
From the restart things didn’t get better for Saracens as Wigglesworth gathered the ball and rushed forward to then pass to Ripol who moved forward down the right side again, as the defence gathered Ripol flipped a pass out and Lamont drove home to the right of the posts. Hodgson converted and the Sharks were cruising for an evening feed. However from the restart Saracens exploited a gap and against the run of play managed to drive over for a try.
The second half saw much of the same with the Sharks knocking on the door for most of the half. Eventually they drove down to the line where Lamont drove in under the posts . A slice dconversion by Hodgson missed the extra points, but the gap was growing wider. Again from the kick off Sharks drove forward yet again with Ripol who broke through the line, tackles were missed and then another try was scored. By now the Sharks were trying for the extra point and pushed for the fourth try, Saracens had to try and prevent this and hopefully get back within 7 points … but this never really looked possible. A late surge from Saracens as they latched onto a miskick saw them getting over the line as the hooter sounded … the score made it sound like a closer victory than it was, 22-14 does not reflect the dominance shown by the Sharks!
Sale received the kick off which went back to the second row forwards , White caught the ball and moved out wide handing off a Saracens tackle and then passed out to Lamont (who recovered from his knock at the weekend very quickly) who in typical fashion burst through the defence and was away, a stout back row defence from Saracens saw a mass ruck in the Sarries 30 yard area. Saracens came out with the ball and ground forward, unfortunately a couple of solid Shark tackles saw a knock on and possession went to the Sharks , penalty kick gave Sharks position on the line out, which they won and then a quick pass from Wigglesworth saw Charlie Hodgson drop kick from the Saracens’ 10 metre line for three points.
From the restart things didn’t get better for Saracens as Wigglesworth gathered the ball and rushed forward to then pass to Ripol who moved forward down the right side again, as the defence gathered Ripol flipped a pass out and Lamont drove home to the right of the posts. Hodgson converted and the Sharks were cruising for an evening feed. However from the restart Saracens exploited a gap and against the run of play managed to drive over for a try.
The second half saw much of the same with the Sharks knocking on the door for most of the half. Eventually they drove down to the line where Lamont drove in under the posts . A slice dconversion by Hodgson missed the extra points, but the gap was growing wider. Again from the kick off Sharks drove forward yet again with Ripol who broke through the line, tackles were missed and then another try was scored. By now the Sharks were trying for the extra point and pushed for the fourth try, Saracens had to try and prevent this and hopefully get back within 7 points … but this never really looked possible. A late surge from Saracens as they latched onto a miskick saw them getting over the line as the hooter sounded … the score made it sound like a closer victory than it was, 22-14 does not reflect the dominance shown by the Sharks!
Tuesday 5 February 2008
Two tight games ...
Horizon Sports were at both games tonight and our reporters will bring in-depth coverage tomorrow. The Sale Sharks home game to Saracens was promising to be a hard close fought affair. It was hard fought but the Sharks were pressing Saracens throughout the game, although only going in at the break 10-7 up. In the second half a seemingly subdued Saracens defence just let too many tackles slip … the Sharks ran out 22-14 winners, Saracens just missing out on their bonus point.
Meanwhile in North London a very meagre home crowd saw their home team Wasps promise to cause a major upset. Stad Francais were forced into bringing on their star players early in the game as the score was static at 7-5. The French side looked uncharacteristically shakey throughout the game and Wasps twice were their own enemy being caught offside at the breakdown as well as being at the receiving end of a few high tackles. At one point there are reports that Fase stormed out the dug out in disgust. The French side eventually settled down and although they squandered 2 certain try scoring opportunities managed to stop Wasps from gaining the bonus points as the Paris ‘surf boys’ ran out 14-5 winners.
The group table as it stands is
Stad Francais played 3 won 3 points 12
Sale Sharks played 3 won 2 points 10
Saracens played 3 won 0 points 3
London Wasps played 3 won 0 points 2
The final group games will see:
Stad Francais v. Sale Sharks to see who gets the first place in the final.
Saracens v. Wasps to see who plays the loser of the above game in the playoff for the final.
Meanwhile in North London a very meagre home crowd saw their home team Wasps promise to cause a major upset. Stad Francais were forced into bringing on their star players early in the game as the score was static at 7-5. The French side looked uncharacteristically shakey throughout the game and Wasps twice were their own enemy being caught offside at the breakdown as well as being at the receiving end of a few high tackles. At one point there are reports that Fase stormed out the dug out in disgust. The French side eventually settled down and although they squandered 2 certain try scoring opportunities managed to stop Wasps from gaining the bonus points as the Paris ‘surf boys’ ran out 14-5 winners.
The group table as it stands is
Stad Francais played 3 won 3 points 12
Sale Sharks played 3 won 2 points 10
Saracens played 3 won 0 points 3
London Wasps played 3 won 0 points 2
The final group games will see:
Stad Francais v. Sale Sharks to see who gets the first place in the final.
Saracens v. Wasps to see who plays the loser of the above game in the playoff for the final.
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