Programme Notes
Sunday 11th April 2004: v Connacht
Connacht will be very tough opponents!
Today we welcome the players, fans and management of Connacht to The Stoop for the first leg of the Parker Pen Challenge Cup semi-final. Undoubtedly our biggest game of the season so far. In recent years it seems all our big games have been relegation encounters or cup wins over Leicester. In a comfortable mid table year and after an unfortunate early cup exit, big games have been a little sparse for the 1st XV. The winner of this competition gets into the Heineken Cup. A prize that is very highly valued by players, fans and management alike. It leads to better rugby, more media exposure and known opposition.
Last week we drew at the Madejski stadium despite outscoring our hosts two tries to none. However a top five finish is still well on the cards. Since our last home game much has happened. Congratulations go to the A team for winning their southern section and to the Ladies for putting on an impressive display of rugby in their game at The Stoop.
Also in the last fortnight and slipping by quite quietly was the first birthday of Quinssa. Has it really been only a year? So much has happened. Highlights include; running coaches in two foreign countries, the balloon race, Spreaders, the Academy night, the Supporters’ bash, the emails (and there has been a lot of them!) and plenty of charity fun raising. So raise your class for the next year.
So what’s left for this season? We will be shortly be unveiling a programme of events for the summer months. Come and find out more from the Quinssa desk in the East Stand before the game. Don’t forget to put our AGM date of June 10th in your diaries.
We have one more definite chance to run an away coach for this season with the last league game at Northampton. We have now decided to alter arrangements so that those that want to can be back at The Stoop for that night’s festivities can. Full details will also be available from the Quinssa desk in the East Stand before the game, or emailing me on will@quinssa.org.uk or calling me at home one evening on 020 8643 2145.
Back to today’s game. It’s a hard one to call as it’s very difficult to put some of the Celtic League results in context. What is certain is that they are very tough opponents and we would like a lead of sorts to take across to The Sportsground in two weeks time. Much has been made of our Irish connections, so it’s hardly an England Ireland club international. But what about our visitors English connections? Well, like you, I haven’t clue! However, I really hope our Irish visitors have a great weekend and take back some special memories.
Let’s raise the roof and cheer the lads on. Enjoy the day and the unique Quins’ experience.
Will Warner
Quinssa Chairman
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