Feb 07 Wasps v Sale

You know when you’ve been Dayglo’d


If we only had a Mediterranean climate, double summer time and decent wine, oh, and rugby matches that only lasted forty minutes, I’d be as happy as a lamb. Sadly we have none of these and as a consequence the world seemed a much darker place on the road back from Adams Park. All that effort and not even a bonus point. It just doesn’t get any better, does it?

Never mind, you’ve got to keep a stiff upper lip and look for the positives. For forty minutes yesterday we played some of our best rugby of the season, kick-started mainly by Billy Whizz himself, Jason Robinson. I might have to eat humble pie on that one and apologise to English rugby and the RFU: perhaps playing for your country doesn’t detract from your Club game.

Then again, maybe I won’t because I still think I’m right on that one, but Jason looked like the speedster of yesteryear, running dangerous lines and carving the Wasps defence apart. If only he straightened his line when he jinked his way through their three-quarters instead of passing to Quates, I think we would have had another try. Never the less, it was a delight to behold and something we should cherish. Sadly, I think we all have to expect that he can’t keep that pace up for a full match anymore.

During the first half we managed to do what has been missing for most of this season – we kept the ball alive, with deft and sometimes spell-binding off-loading. Corcho had yet another stormer, continually hunting and harassing. Andy Titterell showed his attacking, marauding side, and just what a good eye he has for a gap in any defence.

Maggie showed himself to be the predator once again and reminded us just what had been missing at Gloucester. Chris Jones had a cracking game at blindside, stealing ball at both line out and ruck and flicked a splendid ball in the tackle to Quates who stormed over for our first try.

The Wasps’ fans I spoke to after the game assured me the pass was forward, but being seated in the place always afforded to the away fans – behind the posts and the big screen - I wasn’t really in a position to argue. Maybe the try shouldn’t have been awarded.

Anyway the referee, the smiling paramedic Tony Spreadbury, wasn’t exactly kind to us, missing blatant obstructions, trips, tackles on men without the ball and hands in at rucks. So, all’s probably fair in love and war, sometimes you get the shouts and sometimes you don’t.

Whether we opted for a different game plan in the second half, or whether Wasps were simply able to shore up their defences that much better, I can’t tell. Whatever reason, we struggled to get hold of the ball after the break. Rees and Haskell caused us a few problems. Voyce, too, continued to elude tackles and was instrumental in much of their good work.


By the fourth quarter, we looked a very jaded side. Even the introduction of our other talisman, Seabass, didn’t do much to lift the gathering gloom. His cameo role was short and not so sweet: a dropped high ball, a tussle with the old adversary and an injury. Not much to shout about really.

But, there will be some who will shout. Did he stamp, or didn’t he? The answer is yes and what’s more, I’d have done the same. He was grabbed by the ankle by Mr Sunshine, Lawrence “Dayglo” Dallaglio, who was lying in an offside position and interfering with play. He latched on to Seabass’ ankle like a limpet and wouldn’t let go, inspite of a bit of encouragement; stopping Seabass joining the ruck and the ball was turned over.

Will Chabal be cited for this? Well I hope not, but let’s face it, we’ve not had the best of luck so far. It all depends on whether the Citing Officer, you know the one I mean, the guy who gets paid to spot infringements by Sale Sharks players, is made aware of it. With any luck he might be on holiday.

Even though we scored a lovely try towards the end through an excellent lineout steal and the deft footwork of Andy Vilk, the mood was not going to lift. Our standing in the tables doesn’t make for very heartening reading. We’re currently in seventh position with 33 points, nine points behind fourth place Gloucester, who also have a game in hand. At the beginning of the season, I predicted another Championship, now we’ll be lucky to make the play-offs.

But, it’s not over until the fat lady sings. Does anyone know a generously proportioned woman with the voice of an angel?