With the Lions tour in South Africa looming, opinions of who will face the Boks in the opening test are now making the headlines. The curtains on the RBS Six Nations stage are now closed and since this is the last of the international action to be seen before McGeechan’s squad is announced, the temptation is far too great not to put pen to paper and list a possible Lions starting fifteen.
Incidently, this will be the first Lions tour to be played under the new experimental law variations, and if they are to have any of the effects we have seen in the Guinness and Magners leagues this season, I would be packing a few spare kickers ahead of the tour. If the side is going to put emphasis on the non-running game witnessed over the past seven months, the Lions analysis team may need to borrow John McEnroe from the Wimbledon scene in the game’s current tennis like state.
The decision for who plays at outside-half may be decided simply on whether Phillips is at nine. Jonny Wilkinson’s name has cropped up again as Jeremy Guscott controversially makes him top number ten. But, with the lack of game time and the unpreditability of his fitness, England’s world cup winner will surely not be packing his boots for South Africa this summer.
The Irish success in Cardiff at the weekend will hopefully see O’Gara at the forefront of McGeechan’s plans, but considering the past McGeechan teams, the Wasps Director of Rugby will not be putting all his eggs into one basket. Three stand-offs that spring to mind will obviously be a combination of Rog, Stephen Jones and a more muscular looking James Hook. McGeechan likes to have a side all competing for test places, and there is not much more than a few caps that separate the three men mentioned above.
Illusions of grandure are again striking the hopes of England supporters who will now believe the Lions can include more Englishman after all. However, without condemning the team’s efforts in this term’s Six Nations championships, I will like to opt out of this fantasy as the combination of an Ireland and Wales starting line-up looks a more appetising prospect.
Henson and O’Driscoll may well be the centre partnership that should have been in '05, even though Roberts and Shanklin are a pairing that have brought Welsh rugby to life in the past 12 months. Or will Riki Flutely be the first player to play for and against a Lions setup? The hot-stepping Maori turned try-machine Pom may be making a case for the number 12 shirt, especially if he starts producing the goods under McGeechan at Adams Park.
The back three is also not as clean cut as many make out. Lee Byrne is almost definite to play at fifteen, but, although Shane Williams is a likely starter with the season he has had, is he good enough when up against the Habanas and Pietersens of the world? Maybe a stronger wing-partnership in defence will be appointed with maybe a bit more height to handle the high ball from Percy and co. The pace of Scotland’s Thom Evans could frighten even the cheetah racing Habana, and even the illusive feet of Bowe may feature at some point. Time will have to tell.
Captaincy? The easiest choice ironically. Although O’Driscoll is a great talisman in the Ireland dressing room, on a Lions tour that will only last six weeks, McGeechan should revert back to his old philosophy – big and intimidating for the prematch coin toss. Only one name fills that description, and that name is unfortunately Martin Johnson. One can only wish the man was twelve years younger however, so we’ll have to settle with Paul O’Connell to clutch the Lions’ Hallmark teddy when leading the side out.
The back row is also a head-scratcher. Ryan Jones playing at six for the most part of the Six Nations will create most problems. Were he to be wearing the number eight shirt again come June 20th, would Andy Powell or Jamie Heaslip have something to say? If only it was as easy as making the Lions a five nations side just so Italy’s Sergio Parrise would join the tour.
Joe Worsley and Martyn Williams are fighting for open-side. Although Williams has the edge with his ball stealing capabilities at the breakdown, Worsley can leave a few Boks stung in the tail in the loose.
The tight five will be instrumental in deciding the Lions’ fate also. Composure as well as strength up front has been lacking throughout the Six Nations, and as the boot of Montgomery and François Steyn will be a threat from anywhere on the pitch, the tight five will have to be disiplined as well as ruthless at the breakdown. Personally, I know as much as referees do when it comes to what goes on in the front rows, so an expert opinion will be needed to enlighten us on that front. Maybe Keith Wood can be a better judge of character? Over a cup of tea of course.
O’Connell and O’Callaghan makes it a double-0 in the locks. Alun Wyn Jones could pip Donnacha for the partnership, but with the formidable Irish pairing dominating in both the red of Munster and the green of Ireland, it's likely McGeechan will keep them at the spine of the side. While O’Callaghan continues to reek trouble in the loose, O’Connell will hopefully be causing toil at the set-piece.
Past Lions tours have seen many surprises. Martin Corry in 2001. Ryan Jones in 2005. The question shouldn’t be who is going to start, but who is going to rise above all expectations and become the ace in the Lions’ pack? Possibly an under-rated six hiding in the ranks?
It all sounds very glamourous picking a favourite combination of players from a power of four. The idea of predicting the player who will kick the winning points in the tour’s climax is indeed very awe-inspiring. Who wouldn’t want a Jerry Guscott style finish to spoil the world champions’ hopes of redemption? I know I would. But much more rugby is to be played between now and June, so in the aim to keep our tour dreams alive, lets keep the Boks second guessing.
Monday 23 March 2009
Monday 16 March 2009
The times, they are a-changing
We are entering a new era in rugby union. The question on everybody’s lips is of how our international team will be affected by the transfer movement in and out of the Guinness Premiership. We have seen the influx of many southern-hemisphere greats crossing the equator to play in the Guinness and Magners leagues, but with more foreign influence coming in, and now English players moving out, how will this affect our international team in the years leading up to the 2011 world cup?
The hottest topic to date is this summer’s Lions’ tour to current world champions South Africa. Ian McGeechan’s side, consisting of the Six-Nations’ Triple Crown quartet, will hopefully be aiming to rekindle the success of Mcgeechan’s last outing as the Lions’ head coach, which saw a famous 2-1 victory over the Springboks back in ’97.
However, 12 years on the shape of world rugby has shifted. The popularity of the sport is on the incline with power to manipulate player interest with big money investment, and in the short time since our last tour to the SA, rugby as a sport has well and truly become a business.
James Haskell, Tom Palmer, and Riki Flutey are the most recent exits from the Premiership, completing their moves from London Wasps to French sides Stade Français and Brive this summer, and in doing so are permitting more players to follow suit and move to where the big bucks are.
This is not to say that the players themselves are the money grabbing footballers we see in soccer, but as the RFU continues to abide by their salary cap in the Guinness Premiership, it is inevitable that foreign teams without these restrictions are going to have a massive advantage when players’ contracts are up.
On the other side of the coin, the takeover from new Saracens Chief Executive Edward Griffiths will involve a huge team reconfiguration at the London side, which will see many leave the club to be replaced by what will ultimately be a South African second team.
The appointment of new Director of Rugby Brendan Venter at the end of this season has already seen the team’s interest in players from his current Super 14 side Stormers. As Eddie Jones is removed from the helm, reports have suggested there is already interest in Springboks Schalk Burger and full-back Conrad Jantjes, who will supposedly be the first of many South African imports to Vicarage Road.
So what of young English talent? Competition for team selection at club level is the highest it has ever been, and since capped England internationals are venturing away from their homeland to play elsewhere, how does the England team propose to compete? It is all well and good having the best of other nations taking to our pitches every Saturday afternoon, but is it worth the hype if the international team is going to be crippled of its potential flair coming through the ranks?
Lawrence Dallaglio has expressed his frustration at the RFU allowing players to leave the Premiership for more wealthy opposition, and believes action should be taken to stop our international stars slipping through our fingers. If the salary cap is to be upheld, a player who wishes to leave to play in foreign land should not be considered for international duty over other prospects nearer to home. This is the philosophy in New Zealand and Wales, so should it here.
Big Lol’s words speak louder than mine ever will, but even so the case still remains that our nation’s future on the international stage may not be as bright as it’s made out to be. Past success has come through internal club structure and it won’t ever continue if we choose money over allegiance.
The hottest topic to date is this summer’s Lions’ tour to current world champions South Africa. Ian McGeechan’s side, consisting of the Six-Nations’ Triple Crown quartet, will hopefully be aiming to rekindle the success of Mcgeechan’s last outing as the Lions’ head coach, which saw a famous 2-1 victory over the Springboks back in ’97.
However, 12 years on the shape of world rugby has shifted. The popularity of the sport is on the incline with power to manipulate player interest with big money investment, and in the short time since our last tour to the SA, rugby as a sport has well and truly become a business.
James Haskell, Tom Palmer, and Riki Flutey are the most recent exits from the Premiership, completing their moves from London Wasps to French sides Stade Français and Brive this summer, and in doing so are permitting more players to follow suit and move to where the big bucks are.
This is not to say that the players themselves are the money grabbing footballers we see in soccer, but as the RFU continues to abide by their salary cap in the Guinness Premiership, it is inevitable that foreign teams without these restrictions are going to have a massive advantage when players’ contracts are up.
On the other side of the coin, the takeover from new Saracens Chief Executive Edward Griffiths will involve a huge team reconfiguration at the London side, which will see many leave the club to be replaced by what will ultimately be a South African second team.
The appointment of new Director of Rugby Brendan Venter at the end of this season has already seen the team’s interest in players from his current Super 14 side Stormers. As Eddie Jones is removed from the helm, reports have suggested there is already interest in Springboks Schalk Burger and full-back Conrad Jantjes, who will supposedly be the first of many South African imports to Vicarage Road.
So what of young English talent? Competition for team selection at club level is the highest it has ever been, and since capped England internationals are venturing away from their homeland to play elsewhere, how does the England team propose to compete? It is all well and good having the best of other nations taking to our pitches every Saturday afternoon, but is it worth the hype if the international team is going to be crippled of its potential flair coming through the ranks?
Lawrence Dallaglio has expressed his frustration at the RFU allowing players to leave the Premiership for more wealthy opposition, and believes action should be taken to stop our international stars slipping through our fingers. If the salary cap is to be upheld, a player who wishes to leave to play in foreign land should not be considered for international duty over other prospects nearer to home. This is the philosophy in New Zealand and Wales, so should it here.
Big Lol’s words speak louder than mine ever will, but even so the case still remains that our nation’s future on the international stage may not be as bright as it’s made out to be. Past success has come through internal club structure and it won’t ever continue if we choose money over allegiance.
Tuesday 10 March 2009
Come what May
“I’M not sure Jonny will get back in the side if we continue this run of form” said Falcons’ Rugby Director Steve Bates.
Jokes in and around Kingston Park referring to the likelihood of Wilkinson’s return to the ever improving Falcons side have produced a wry smile on the face of one Tom May, who, although is well aware he’s temporarily filling the boots of Newcastle’s face of English rugby, will also enjoy being in the lime-light for once – even if he won’t admit it.
A pretty good track record in front of goal and a resilient body in defence, have Newcastle found the position Tom May can finally settle in to?
February’s Guinness Premiership player of the month has been playing out of position for the best part of a season now, but will surely be relishing deep down every opportunity he gets to put another three points on the Falcons’ scoreboard, pushing the side one game at a time closer to a mid-table finish come what May.
Courier Sport caught up with the versatile play-maker to discuss life behind the scenes at the Falcons and also the time he spent studying at Newcastle University.
“Life at Newcastle Uni’ was pretty good actually, especially in first year” May explained. “I stayed in Havelock Hall in Castle Leazes, but didn’t get to go out and socialise as much as I would have liked.
“I had a great time living in a house of five in Jesmond, where we used to have all the lads from Falcons back and have big parties.
“I studied Business and Management at Newcastle, but afterwards when I finished uni’ I had a year off just to play rugby, and then went to Northumbria to do a post-grad certificate in Sports-Management. That was a part-time course though so it didn’t really feel like I was at the uni’ at all.
“I took the course purely because of my interest in sports really, with possibly the view of doing something with it when I finish playing” May continued.
“I have always had the belief you need something to fall back on. If you get a career in rugby then great, but young players especially need to understand that an education is also important.”
A philosopher at heart, May shows another side to the man most only see on the weekend.
Although the player may be frustrated at not knowing what position he will be starting in week-on-week, May makes up for this in persistence, professionalism, and above all, preparation.
“If I had the choice I would prefer to play at 12. Tane Tu’ipulotu and Jamie Noon are both playing well, so I’ll just have to make the most of playing each week, in whatever position that might be.
“I like to stick to a routine in the week building up to game day, and try to hit my goals I want to achieve in that week. I want to achieve a certain amount of passes, kicks, tackles in the week, whether I am playing fly-half, centre, full-back or wing.
“It’s not ideal getting moved around, but it’s a question of playing well and enjoying myself. That’s what I aim for every time I pull on the shirt.
“I don’t get too hyped up about a game. I try to relax. I actually play worse when I think about it too much.
“There are a few that spend most of the day before getting right up for it” May said. “I believe preparation in the week running up to a game is just as important as the game itself.
“If you get too over enthusiastic or too intense you will worry over little mistakes, so I focus on my physical and mental well-being before a game massively. If I get those right in the week I should be fine by the weekend.”
Away from the rugby spot-light, May has taken a huge interest in raising money for charity.
The end of last May, he began his week long cycle visiting every single Guinness Premiership ground in the country, including Twickenham.
After a visit to the teenage cancer ward in the RVI Newcastle, May was motivated to help a cause any way possible, and made his desire a reality in a cycle that lasted 550 miles.
“I cycled for ‘Cash for Kids’,” May explained. “It was very tough. I must have been a little naive to think I could just jump on a bike and do it. By the end I was pretty tired.
“I did four practice runs just up and around the airport. The furthest I think I went was only 36 miles. On day one of the cycle, I had to do 105!
“It was a brilliant life experience, something I am very proud of and something I can look back on.
“I managed to raise just over £42,000 which I am very pleased with. You learn a lot about yourself on a bike, and since I play rugby professionally I thought I would be able to open a few doors for people in doing so. It was fantastic.”
A week away in Barbados in the mid-season break has brought the best out May.
Fresh-faced and tanned after the trip with his wife to Lee Mears’ hideaway, it seems he has brought back some of his holiday sun to the North-East, which has evidently shown in a renewed spirit around Kingston Park.
One game at a time is the diagnosis however, even though things are finally looking up for the side who haven’t been setting the world alight until just recently. May understands the team need to keep their feet firmly on the ground.
“Sorry for the massive cliché, but what this team needs to do is take one game at a time and then go from there. After stringing a few wins together we suddenly find ourselves in a completely different place, and we need to keep this intensity going.”
The adopted Geordie has spent a great deal of his playing career here in the North-East, moving up from his team at home in Richmond as a teenager.
A Tom May testimonial has been rumoured to involve both Newcastle and Northumbria University teams, a sentimental occasion that would involve May turning out for both sides on the night.
After the great competition shown in the Stan Calvert trophy recently, May has said he would be delighted to see the game take place.
“If that was to be the case it would be fantastic to see the two universities come together and play” May said. “I’ve been to a couple and they’ve always been great games.
“I actually played for Newcastle but never for Northumbria when I was at uni’, so I’ll be rooting for Newcastle I suppose.
"I always remember playing against the likes of Jamie Noon and some of the other lads at Bullocksteads. It was always tough but a good craic nonetheless.”
Jokes in and around Kingston Park referring to the likelihood of Wilkinson’s return to the ever improving Falcons side have produced a wry smile on the face of one Tom May, who, although is well aware he’s temporarily filling the boots of Newcastle’s face of English rugby, will also enjoy being in the lime-light for once – even if he won’t admit it.
A pretty good track record in front of goal and a resilient body in defence, have Newcastle found the position Tom May can finally settle in to?
February’s Guinness Premiership player of the month has been playing out of position for the best part of a season now, but will surely be relishing deep down every opportunity he gets to put another three points on the Falcons’ scoreboard, pushing the side one game at a time closer to a mid-table finish come what May.
Courier Sport caught up with the versatile play-maker to discuss life behind the scenes at the Falcons and also the time he spent studying at Newcastle University.
“Life at Newcastle Uni’ was pretty good actually, especially in first year” May explained. “I stayed in Havelock Hall in Castle Leazes, but didn’t get to go out and socialise as much as I would have liked.
“I had a great time living in a house of five in Jesmond, where we used to have all the lads from Falcons back and have big parties.
“I studied Business and Management at Newcastle, but afterwards when I finished uni’ I had a year off just to play rugby, and then went to Northumbria to do a post-grad certificate in Sports-Management. That was a part-time course though so it didn’t really feel like I was at the uni’ at all.
“I took the course purely because of my interest in sports really, with possibly the view of doing something with it when I finish playing” May continued.
“I have always had the belief you need something to fall back on. If you get a career in rugby then great, but young players especially need to understand that an education is also important.”
A philosopher at heart, May shows another side to the man most only see on the weekend.
Although the player may be frustrated at not knowing what position he will be starting in week-on-week, May makes up for this in persistence, professionalism, and above all, preparation.
“If I had the choice I would prefer to play at 12. Tane Tu’ipulotu and Jamie Noon are both playing well, so I’ll just have to make the most of playing each week, in whatever position that might be.
“I like to stick to a routine in the week building up to game day, and try to hit my goals I want to achieve in that week. I want to achieve a certain amount of passes, kicks, tackles in the week, whether I am playing fly-half, centre, full-back or wing.
“It’s not ideal getting moved around, but it’s a question of playing well and enjoying myself. That’s what I aim for every time I pull on the shirt.
“I don’t get too hyped up about a game. I try to relax. I actually play worse when I think about it too much.
“There are a few that spend most of the day before getting right up for it” May said. “I believe preparation in the week running up to a game is just as important as the game itself.
“If you get too over enthusiastic or too intense you will worry over little mistakes, so I focus on my physical and mental well-being before a game massively. If I get those right in the week I should be fine by the weekend.”
Away from the rugby spot-light, May has taken a huge interest in raising money for charity.
The end of last May, he began his week long cycle visiting every single Guinness Premiership ground in the country, including Twickenham.
After a visit to the teenage cancer ward in the RVI Newcastle, May was motivated to help a cause any way possible, and made his desire a reality in a cycle that lasted 550 miles.
“I cycled for ‘Cash for Kids’,” May explained. “It was very tough. I must have been a little naive to think I could just jump on a bike and do it. By the end I was pretty tired.
“I did four practice runs just up and around the airport. The furthest I think I went was only 36 miles. On day one of the cycle, I had to do 105!
“It was a brilliant life experience, something I am very proud of and something I can look back on.
“I managed to raise just over £42,000 which I am very pleased with. You learn a lot about yourself on a bike, and since I play rugby professionally I thought I would be able to open a few doors for people in doing so. It was fantastic.”
A week away in Barbados in the mid-season break has brought the best out May.
Fresh-faced and tanned after the trip with his wife to Lee Mears’ hideaway, it seems he has brought back some of his holiday sun to the North-East, which has evidently shown in a renewed spirit around Kingston Park.
One game at a time is the diagnosis however, even though things are finally looking up for the side who haven’t been setting the world alight until just recently. May understands the team need to keep their feet firmly on the ground.
“Sorry for the massive cliché, but what this team needs to do is take one game at a time and then go from there. After stringing a few wins together we suddenly find ourselves in a completely different place, and we need to keep this intensity going.”
The adopted Geordie has spent a great deal of his playing career here in the North-East, moving up from his team at home in Richmond as a teenager.
A Tom May testimonial has been rumoured to involve both Newcastle and Northumbria University teams, a sentimental occasion that would involve May turning out for both sides on the night.
After the great competition shown in the Stan Calvert trophy recently, May has said he would be delighted to see the game take place.
“If that was to be the case it would be fantastic to see the two universities come together and play” May said. “I’ve been to a couple and they’ve always been great games.
“I actually played for Newcastle but never for Northumbria when I was at uni’, so I’ll be rooting for Newcastle I suppose.
"I always remember playing against the likes of Jamie Noon and some of the other lads at Bullocksteads. It was always tough but a good craic nonetheless.”
Tuesday 3 March 2009
Hayman back in black
Archive - published 02/02/09
The return of All-Black icon Carl Hayman to the Newcastle Falcons squad has been a huge boost for the side who have been failing to produce so far this season. The nineteen-stone, six-foot-four Man-Mountain is back after a two-month layoff with a knee injury, making his long awaited return in the 16-16 draw against Worcester the end of last year. Now, well into 2009, Hayman is hoping to help put the team’s losing habits behind them and find some light at the end of a long incessant tunnel in this season’s final months.
Hayman swapped the black of New Zealand for the black of Newcastle Falcons last season after the All Blacks failed to surpass the French in the quarter-finals of the 2007 World Cup. The deal to bring the 29-year-old to Kingston Park reportedly made Hayman the best paid rugby player in the world on a contract worth a reported £350,000 a year.
The planned move was seen as an inspired investment by the club, and was considered to be the answer to their lack of experience and power up front. It is no surprise then that the Falcons have struggled during the lengthy absence of the man many argue to be the best tight-head prop of the modern game, much to the frustration of the club and the player himself.
“I injured my knee in the game against (London) Wasps” Hayman explained. “I hyper-extended and compressed it after trying to charge down a kick, falling on a straight leg.
“I was surprised when the doc’ told me that I would be out for up to eight weeks. I thought it would probably only be two or three, but as the recovery went on you could see where they were coming from.
“I’ve been working hard with the physio’ and I’ve had a few run-outs to get the lungs blowing – the knee seems to be holding up strong.”
“It’s been very frustrating. Results have not been going well but you just have to look forward to the next game and continue to work hard. You just have to keep on keeping on and hopefully results will come. There’s no reason why we can’t fight our way out of this.”
Falcons’ Director of Rugby Steve Bates has expressed his delight at the return of Carl Hayman up front, who in recent weeks, has proved to be worth more than his weight in gold. There have been questions throughout the season whether the team’s regression has been a result of the lack of opportunities presented to the backline. Therefore Hayman’s return has bolstered the pack both in the scrum and at the breakdown, evidently increasing the team’s chances to play the running rugby Newcastle Falcons were once famous for.
The man himself is just pleased to be back and is looking forward to the prospect of doing what he can to push his Falcons team in the right direction.
“The backs have been playing pretty well this year, with the likes of Tane (Tu’ipulotu), Jamie (Noon), Tom (May), all putting in good performances” Hayman said.
“However, it’s hard to differentiate a team simply between backs and forwards. The season so far may not have gone as planned. There have been a few obstacles put in the way of this team with injuries and other bits and pieces, but this is a very tight competition we’re playing in and because of that we know we can beat teams.”
In recent months there has been speculation linking Hayman with a move back to his home country after he was spotted in New Zealand. Question-marks have been raised over whether he is enjoying the challenges against relegation, but the man nicknamed Zarg insists there was nothing in his visit and he is more than happy with life at the Falcons.
“With New Zealand being about the size of South Shields there were obviously a few people who spotted me” Hayman explained. “The next thing I knew I was supposedly making a move back to
“I did pop home for a wee bit to sort a personal matter, but it was not a rugby trip at all. It was purely for personal reasons.
“I would like to stay. If I feel the club isn’t making the efforts to move in the right direction I may have to consider my options, but I do have a contract until June next year and I intend to honour it.”
Playing in New Zealand for the Highlanders, Hayman has not had to endure many relegation battles since relegation was discarded in their leagues. He cannot be too familiar with the term ‘losing’ either since he was a regular starter for the All Blacks before his move. However, Hayman insists that he is finding the fight against relegation quite stimulating.
“There is a lot more to play for (in the Premiership). If there was no relegation it would be the case that a team in our position could just wait for next year to come round. With relegation there is heaps still to play for.
“A club like Newcastle should be challenging for Heineken Cup spots – a position the fans in the North-East are crying out for.”
Hayman’s decision to join Newcastle surprised many in the rugby world, with a host of top clubs chasing his signature. However, the New Zealander was immediately attracted to the club.
“I chose Newcastle because I like the life-style it brings. I like the outdoors and getting down to the coast to get a bit of surfing in. Financially I am also better off than I was back in New Zealand, which always helps, and above all, it just felt like the time to seek out a new challenge.
“I’ve played ten years back home with Otago and the Highlanders, so a change was due. I was drawn to the Premiership but would never fancy playing in a busy place like
Hayman is enjoying the challenge of the Premiership and is always looking forward to facing old pals from back home.
“I look forward to playing Neil Brew of Bristol. I played with him back in Otago so I always like the chance to have a quick catch-up with him.
“It’s cool being able to jump on the phone and have a chat with the guys. I went up to
Hayman did return home again at the end of January, but this time to marry fiancée Natalie – the summer sun back in New Zealand obviously much more appealing for a wedding day than the cold brisk afternoons on Tyneside.
“Yes, I’ve just got married, so perhaps my new years’ resolution should be to help around the house a bit more.”
Clearly 2009 is a big year in more ways than one for Carl Hayman as he looks to help the Falcons retain their Guinness Premiership status.
Seconds win thriller at Bullocksteads
Newcastle 41, Northumbria 24
Setting the stage for the game at Gateshead in the evening, Newcastle University's second team put on quite a show at Northumbria’s Bullocksteads sports ground Wednesday, producing a first-rate performance which included five tries from the away side. The resounding 41-24 win was definitely one of Team Newcastle’s stand-out score-lines in the day’s events, as five tries from the Royals put the icing on a great team effort that will forever be engrained in Stan Calvert history.
It wasn’t long before Newcastle etched their first points up on the scoreboard. Full-back Dan Campbell cut a great line to slice the Poly defence in two, and set the trend for the afternoon as he produced the Royal’s first try in only the second minute. Andrew Walker converted the try, in which time it seemed Northumbria were still emerging from their changing room.
Carried by the wind behind them, Newcastle had an extra spring in their step, which was quite frankly one ahead of their opposition for the most part of the game. Precision kicking from ten increased the momentum for the Royals who by now were setting up camp in the rivals twenty-two, and Deaglan Hall was again impervious to any Poly tackle as it seemed even bullets would have bounced off his unstoppable runs on the day.
Hall’s moment finally came in the twenty-seventh minute as a scrum on the Northumbria five-meter line was won against the head allowing Hall to peel off the back and power his way to another Royals score.
Only five minutes later the Royals were over the white-wash again. A turnover ball left the Northumbria defence unprepared for a break down the left, and with great vision from Walker at ten, the ball was spread back right for another Royals try giving them a 22 point lead going in at the half.
Now playing into the wind, Newcastle reverted back to a running game for the second half. The defensive line were given the work-out it lacked in the first half, and for some time remained resilient to the Poly’s attempts, repelling the Northumbrian attack on numerous occasions.
On the fifty-second minute the Royals then did what their opposition couldn’t in the first half. Under pressure, Newcastle began to redeem some territory, and with quick hands and witty side-stepping on the wing, Joe Lowe went over for the fourth try of the afternoon.
The game now out of reach of the Northumbria revival, Newcastle rung in some changes. Fresh legs from both sides upped the ante, giving the game its second wind and Northumbria the chance to do the unthinkable and come back from a 34 point deficit. Four tries in fifteen minutes saw the Poly back to within ten of the Royals, making a spectacle of a game that was seemingly over at half-time.
Not to worry however, as the final Northumbrian attack was intercepted on the twenty-two, as Andy Binner ran the length of the field to finish the game on a high. The try prompted the final whistle and the Royals secured a vital win in a nine try thriller.
Newcastle third team did not produce the same however as they were drummed 43 points to 10 – a result if kept quiet enough will hopefully not over shadow the seconds' resilient performance. The game did have its own story other than the result, as it seemed likely the match would be abandoned due an injury inflicted on the referee in the Royals' first half try. Twenty minutes later the game did resume with a replacement official, which the Royals now may regret in hind sight.
Setting the stage for the game at Gateshead in the evening, Newcastle University's second team put on quite a show at Northumbria’s Bullocksteads sports ground Wednesday, producing a first-rate performance which included five tries from the away side. The resounding 41-24 win was definitely one of Team Newcastle’s stand-out score-lines in the day’s events, as five tries from the Royals put the icing on a great team effort that will forever be engrained in Stan Calvert history.
It wasn’t long before Newcastle etched their first points up on the scoreboard. Full-back Dan Campbell cut a great line to slice the Poly defence in two, and set the trend for the afternoon as he produced the Royal’s first try in only the second minute. Andrew Walker converted the try, in which time it seemed Northumbria were still emerging from their changing room.
Carried by the wind behind them, Newcastle had an extra spring in their step, which was quite frankly one ahead of their opposition for the most part of the game. Precision kicking from ten increased the momentum for the Royals who by now were setting up camp in the rivals twenty-two, and Deaglan Hall was again impervious to any Poly tackle as it seemed even bullets would have bounced off his unstoppable runs on the day.
Hall’s moment finally came in the twenty-seventh minute as a scrum on the Northumbria five-meter line was won against the head allowing Hall to peel off the back and power his way to another Royals score.
Only five minutes later the Royals were over the white-wash again. A turnover ball left the Northumbria defence unprepared for a break down the left, and with great vision from Walker at ten, the ball was spread back right for another Royals try giving them a 22 point lead going in at the half.
Now playing into the wind, Newcastle reverted back to a running game for the second half. The defensive line were given the work-out it lacked in the first half, and for some time remained resilient to the Poly’s attempts, repelling the Northumbrian attack on numerous occasions.
On the fifty-second minute the Royals then did what their opposition couldn’t in the first half. Under pressure, Newcastle began to redeem some territory, and with quick hands and witty side-stepping on the wing, Joe Lowe went over for the fourth try of the afternoon.
The game now out of reach of the Northumbria revival, Newcastle rung in some changes. Fresh legs from both sides upped the ante, giving the game its second wind and Northumbria the chance to do the unthinkable and come back from a 34 point deficit. Four tries in fifteen minutes saw the Poly back to within ten of the Royals, making a spectacle of a game that was seemingly over at half-time.
Not to worry however, as the final Northumbrian attack was intercepted on the twenty-two, as Andy Binner ran the length of the field to finish the game on a high. The try prompted the final whistle and the Royals secured a vital win in a nine try thriller.
Newcastle third team did not produce the same however as they were drummed 43 points to 10 – a result if kept quiet enough will hopefully not over shadow the seconds' resilient performance. The game did have its own story other than the result, as it seemed likely the match would be abandoned due an injury inflicted on the referee in the Royals' first half try. Twenty minutes later the game did resume with a replacement official, which the Royals now may regret in hind sight.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
