Programme Notes 2008/9

Northampton Saints

Sometimes I think that life could be so much more enjoyable and full of certainty if only I had made different choices of which sporting teams to support. I could have chosen to follow Manchester United rather than Southampton and revelled in success more often. I suppose that Surrey Cricket has given me some pleasure but in recent years there has been more pain than joy.

Had I chosen Wasps over Quins all those years ago I would have celebrated frequently and smugly. It would also have been less demanding on my nervous system. I’ve had to learn to expect defeat snatched from the jaws of victory, half-time leads in double figures that evaporate in a few minutes of folly and nail biting wins by margins less than two. Why do we do it? Why put up with the frayed nails, racing pulse, tears, anger and frustration?

Why? Is it because we want to experience all of the tribulations and joys of life manifest in a single afternoon? Perhaps we enjoy wallowing in the sympathy of friends and colleagues on Monday mornings? Well, whatever it is that keeps us in the Quins’ family I do wish they wouldn’t keep doing it to us! There I was last Saturday at half-time relaxing in the prospect of a handsome win and looking forward to the debate about who would be our opponents at the Stoop in the Quarter Finals. Then we had it again, five minutes of madness and everything hung in the balance. My blood pressure was soaring and the spectre of an away game in Munster flashed before me.

“Only Quins” has been an oft heard statement after  games. Only Quins could take us on another roller-coaster ride. Win – lose – home draw- away draw – the permutations were endless – my brain couldn’t cope. Then whistle, cheers of relief, deep sighs and I could breathe again.

I suppose you could say that we get good value for our money at Quins’ games. All those emotions in such a short period of time, where else would you get such a combination at such a low price?

But guys, please think of us poor fans who love you to bits and who would follow you to the end of the world (Edinburgh hopefully). You may be physically wrecked after every game but you are young and fit. Many of us are neither young nor fit and we too are physically and emotionally exhausted without the back room staff to sort us out by next week. At least we have the stamina to keep us coming back for more tension and drama but could we please have less of the emotional dare-devil ride that seems to be our penance for supporting you.

I’m only joking of course – we love it really and wouldn’t change a thing – would we?

There are just a few tickets remaining for the Quinssa 6N Dinner on the 10^th February. You’ll have to email Emma on rugbybird@quinssa.org.uk if you want to join the team and supporters at the Stoop for a great night out.

Steve Scott

steve@quinssa.org.uk

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