I was fortunate enough to see a great collection of English rugby talent on display in Watford on Sunday. Youngsters such as Ryan Lamb, Anthoney Allen, Olly Morgan, Adam Powell and Dave Seymour, along with some more experienced campaigners, Kevin Sorrell, Dan Scarbrough, Alex Brown, James Simpson-Daniel, Andy HazellIain Balshaw and the one and only, evergreen, Richard Hill. The match was Saracens vs. Gloucester. It was open, some great running rugby, 7 tries, some good goal kicking, especially from young fly half Lamb, and it reminded us that good English players do exist. This game was far more entertaining than any England match for some time, and the display of talent was encouraging for the future of English rugby. All we need now is a coach who is willing to pick such individuals and not 30 something has beens (you know who I mean)!
Sarries started brightest, going 14-3 ahead, and in fairness, it should have been more, but Gloucester are not league favourites for no reason. Infact, it was when openside flanker Andy Hazell was sin-binned for a late tackle on Sarries skipper Neil de Kock, did the visitors pick up their game, and after 40 minutes, it was the visitors who lead by 19 points to 14.
Sarries needed to score first after the break, and did so, to retake the lead 21-19 with a Kevin Sorrell try, but an interception try by Ryan Lamb, plus a Luke Narraway effort put Gloucester clear. Ed Thrower got Sarries within touching distance again, but Olly Morgan's bonus point try sealed it.
Rugby league convert Lesley Vainakolo (the Volcano) could not get on the scoreboard in this match, despite 5 tries at Headingly last week. He limped off with a neck injury in the second half which we hope is not serious.
It was disappointing to see Sarries lose, but it was an entertaining game, and great to see some English players on display. Definately club over country at the moment!
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