Mar 07 Northampton v Sale

Northampton Saints v Sale Sharks

The Charge of the White Brigade?

Has the penny eventually dropped? Has the squad finally realised that, though they may have been Champions last season, that in itself does not bestow any God-given right to absolution from the relegation abyss this year? Well, on the evidence of yesterday’s performance at Franklins Gardens, the answer must be yes. But, you would have to say, that’s a qualified yes: as Sharks fans everywhere will testify, there is no thing as an absolute with our team.

The game started well enough, save for a needless penalty given away, which Stephen Myler duly despatched. Rather than kick behind the opposing defence, as we’ve done consistently and pointlessly over the course of the season, we actually started to run the ball, Seabass broke off the base of a scrum, took the ball into contact and offloaded to “Juju” Lahararrague, who ran the ball wide to feed Foden, thence to Ripol who raced over in the far corner for our first try. Daniel Larrachea couldn’t convert what was a difficult touchline kick, but still, all seemed well.

For some inexplicable reason we then sat back and invited Northampton on to us. The problem with that is, when you play against backs of the class of Spencer, Reihana and Cohen, there is always a feeling, lodged deeply in the gut, that this tactic is going to backfire: and backfire it did, twice, to tries from Spencer and Cohen. All we could muster in reply was a penalty from Larry, shortly before he was replaced after taking a knock early on in the game.

Lee Thomas missed with his penalty attempt shortly after replacing Larry. On the stroke of half-time, Foden bizarrely opted for a quick tap and go rather than take the points on offer after being awarded a penalty, by every Welshmen’s favourite referee, Chris White. Needless to say, it didn’t work; whatever gap he thought he saw wasn’t there. The ball was turned over easily and we went in 7 points down.

In truth, we were lucky the points difference was that small. Had Saints taken their opportunities and made one or two better decisions, they could’ve been out of sight by the break. It was difficult to tell at that point whose heads were hanging lower- the team’s or the supporters’?

Sale re-emerged for the second half full of fire, with Seabass and Bell fearlessly taking the ball over the gain line time and time again. Unfortunately, we couldn’t break down the resolute Saints defence, who were prepared to fight for their lives, and all we got in return was a penalty, which Thomas converted.

Once again we appeared to take our foot off the pedal and invited Northampton back on to us. Granted, the tactic worked, but for the travelling fans it didn’t make for comfortable viewing. Northampton seemed to be camped on our five metre line for what felt like an eternity, launching wave after wave of attacks. Our defence stood up and repelled all that was thrown at it, but inevitably this came at a cost. Big Ted was carded for killing the ball just in front of the posts. Myler’s nerve held steady and once again, we fell 7 points adrift.

I’d like to think what happened next was down to us, the supporters, and our rousing, if tuneless, rendition of Hey Jude, duly adapted of course. We showed the players that we still had the passion and belief. All we asked was, had they? Alright, that’s a bit far-fetched, I grant you, but who knows? It could’ve been –who’s to say it wasn’t? Then again, maybe it was the raft of changes made by our management team and the never-say-die attitude of our captain on the day, Seabass.

Richard Wigglesworth replaced an ineffectual Foden at scrum half and immediately got the undermanned pack moving. Foden moved to wing in place of Chris Mayor, who’d had a similarly unproductive day, and he offered pace and a threat down the flank that had been missing for much of the game. Saints found themselves stretched after that and didn’t have sufficient cover in the midfield to counter any attack that Sale could mount.

Northampton fans will tell you it was a fluke, and maybe some Sharks fans will tell you it was lucky. I’ll disagree with both. What happened next was sublime and inspired. If you can’t break through a defence, then go over it. Seabass, our granite man, burst through the midfield shrugging off two tackles and, rather than take the ball into contact, spotted that their backline was flat and deftly chipped the ball over their last defender with Cantona-esque ease. He reclaimed the bouncing ball, offloading to Chris Bell who then grounded the ball directly under the posts. Is it any wonder we call him talismanic?

Lee Thomas converted and that was effectively game over and two points in the bag. I’m not sure if that’s what we wanted, or expected from the match, but I’ll happily take it as it was two points at the expense of one of our relegation rivals. All we need now is one more win from our last three remaining fixtures, and we’ll be guaranteed Premiership rugby next season. Will we achieve this? I hope so, but remember, this is Sale Sharks we’re talking about so, fasten your seatbelts and hang on.

We weren’t ejected onto the streets after the game, as we had been in Swansea and Watford, but were allowed free access to the wonderful facilities on offer at Franklins Gardens. Most of us trooped into the bars to watch the last of the Six Nations rugby, some of the kids played tag rugby on the pitch. What a different world some people live in. Should any child try that at Edgeley Park they’d be served with an immediate Asbo and probably birched.

Save the exception of one Heineken Cup win, Northampton are one of the Premiership’s perennial under-achievers and yet can still attract crowds of over thirteen thousand on a regular basis. We, as Champions, struggle to attract the fair-weather fans, let alone fill our ground. Why? Well, you only need to look around grounds like the Gardens, Sixways or The Stoop to see why. The answer is blindingly obvious. Welcome all supporters and make the experience enjoyable and memorable.

The best grounds are all places with a rich rugby tradition where all supporters, be they of deep or shallow pockets, are given the opportunity to spend time, relax and enjoy themselves in a friendly, welcoming environment, where players mix happily with supporters. They provide top notch facilities that have both local and civic backing. Northampton Council is, by all accounts, proud to support and be associated with the rugby Club. If only this were true of Edgeley Park or Stockport Council.

What’s good for the fans is also good for the Club. More importantly, it’s also good for the local community where these same supporters spend their hard-earned dosh. Perhaps some of the people who make or break decisions would do well to remember this.