Programme Notes 2008/9

Bath Rugby

Have you noticed that a politician whose party has just had a thumping at an election will always find something positive to say about the result? It was thus with many commentators after the England loss to Australia two weeks ago. “Creative play, most of the possession, such a young team with plenty to learn”. Couple that with their views on the South Africans – “Tired after a long season and longing to get to the beach back home. Poor against Wales and Scotland and ripe for an English plucking!” Some plucking, more like a tickling of the beast before it turns to devour you. I’ll say no more about that one. By the time you read this I will have spent another afternoon across the road at HQ watching our young hopefuls face the even more daunting task of the All Blacks. I’ll try to find some positives to write about the experience later but fear will be with me all week.

What a contrast to the feelings of the small but vociferous bunch of Quins supporters who journeyed up to Leicester last Saturday. After the display against Wasps the week before it’s true to say that we travelled with some justified hope and expectation. Add to that the performance the team managed last time at Welford Road and the journey was full of longing for that long elusive win up there.

Frustrating  was not the only word to describe how we felt about the performance of the officials as it seemed the home crowd were hard-wired to the ref’s whistle. They didn’t even call some of the “forward passes” he decided Quins had committed so how he saw them some 30 yards perpendicular to the play will remain a mystery. However we can’t blame the officials for a poor display in the first half when we gifted them their scores. Possession in the second half did not translate into points as it should have. Where have I read those words before?

As for today, I doubt we’ll have a tougher job on our hands against a Bath team that is unbeaten away from home this season. We must continue with our desire to turn this place into an extra player by displaying our passion and belief. Cheer loud and long for the boys today as they will respond and so will the ref hopefully.  We are real rugby supporters however and we don’t condone any booing or jeering of the kickers. I reckon that such antics are a spur to good kickers to prove themselves in front of a hostile crowd. A silent mob is just as intimidating in my book.

Next week a large contingent of us are travelling to Paris for the game against Stade Francais. I’m told that there are few seats left on plane, boat or train from London to Paree such is the multi-coloured invasion.  If you happen to bump into me just remember “what goes on tour stays on tour”.

On the social front I must encourage you all to book your tickets for the Quinssa 6N Dinner on the 10^th February when you get to party up close with the players and staff. Call by the Quinssa stand in the Etihad stand today or contact rugbybird@quinssa.org.uk to secure the best night out this side of Easter.  If you’re very lucky you might just be sat the other side of Easter. Nick Easter – get it?

I hope you have managed to drop off a suitable present for the children of Shooting Star Hospice as today is the last time we can receive them. If it slipped your mind then you could donate some cash and we’ll provide something on your behalf. See us on the stand before kick off today or at the Stade game. Alternatively contact rugbybird@quinssa.org.uk to arrange a donation.

And this is positively your last chance to grab that guaranteed London Marathon place for next year. Drop a line to me at steve@quinssa.org.uk Raise money for the Quinssa charity and your own one.

Steve Scott

steve@quinssa.org.uk

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