Programme Notes

Saturday 13th December 2003: v Centransa UEMC

¡Los amigos bienvenidos!

Esta tarde nosotros mandamos un tibio bienvenido a los jugadores, la administración y los partidarios de Centransa El Salvador. Well, hopefully that says “This afternoon we bid a warm welcome to the players, management and supporters of Centransa El Salvador.” If on the other hand I’ve just likened the wife of the blind side prop to a pregnant Aardvark then I apologise. You can never tell with these free web translators.

So European rugby comes to The Stoop for another season. Is it the first visit of a Spanish club? Probably. El Salvador aren’t just any old Spanish club, they are the reigning champions and are unbeaten in domestic rugby this season. They also boast a fair clutch of current internationals. Hopefully over the two legs we’ll go through. Then we’ll meet … er … who knows? A lucky loser. Well unlucky, in their case. If we keep winning then we’ll probably meet the winner of Brive and Castres. Two familiar foes. The other game in our half of the draw at that stage will probably be London Irish against Connacht, a cracker!

If you haven’t already noticed, the Webb Ellis Trophy is here today. (That’s the World Cup in case you didn’t know!) So it’s another chance to salute our gallant heroes. I wonder how many young children watching that game dreamed that one day they’ll be in Martin Johnstone’s shoes? That leads me onto a difficult quiz question. Name the odd one out: 6 Nations Trophy, Calcutta Cup, Cook Cup, Webb Ellis Trophy and Australia? Still smiling?

Please stay around after the game as the winning tickets will be drawn for the NEC Harlequins’ Christmas Raffle. It’s in aid of the BPA and there are many fantastic prizes including a trip to the Paralympic Games in Athens. So I hope you’ve all bought a few tickets. We will also finally draw the lucky questionnaire winner, the odds are good, one in 79. The other thirty came in after the crucial date.

We’re on the road for the next few away games, with fixtures in Gloucester, Sale and Newcastle. We’re running a coach to Glaws on December 27th, leaving the Stoop at 10am and stopping at a quaint rural pub for lunch and to mock the locals, before a pleasant afternoon standing at Kingsholm.  If you fancy joining us then contact me at will@quinssa.org.uk or visit the our stand in the East Stand bar by the stage before the game. There will be an event or two happening in the new year, so watch our website at quinssa.org.uk to keep well informed. Also at the desk you’ll be able to collect or buy your Quinssa calendars. If you haven’t already seen one, then they are really great and they are just the right size to fit in that Christmas stocking. Stocks are limited so you had better hurry!

So that only leaves me to wish you all a happy Christmas and prosperous new year from all at Quinssa. So raise your glass and here’s to a great 2004.

Raise the roof, say something nice to the bar staff and have a safe journey home.

Will Warner
Quinssa Chairman