Programme Notes 2008/9
Stade Français
Heard the one about the filthy-rich Frenchman? He asked his young son what he wanted for his birthday. The lad replied that he’d love a Meccano set so dad went out and bought the Eifel Tower for him. Next year and the same question was answered “A Train Set please” so son pere bought up the SNCF network for his lovely boy. Another year on and young lad wanted some cowboys. So daddy coughed up and bought Stade Francais! Eh... I might have got the last bit wrong.
Cowboys & Indians were probably the only historic storyline characters not paraded before last Saturday’s game such was the spectacle. At the end of the game the huge display panels apologised to the SF supporters that the victory firework display would still go ahead despite the unexpected loss
Fireworks on and off the pitch and controversial decisions – burning Joan-of-Arc probably was a mistake in hindsight – kept all of us entertained for a good few hours. At times our band of brothers (and sisters) no more than 1% of the crowd made more noise than the other 75,000 frenchies with their pink flags, pink hats and pink scarves. Rugby balls were swooped on by eagles before the game and by Quins players during it, especially by our captain. The girls of the Moulin Rouge kicked high and raised the blood pressure of the men folk there while our boys kicked long and pressurised the opposition in defence. Witches brewed their spells and burned at the stake before the visitors brewed up their own magic to mesmerise the boys in pink pyjamas. I witnessed a performance that must rate as heroic, historic and long for the “I was there” storytelling of the future.
From some 10 years of supporting Quins seriously I don’t think I’ve witnessed such a game. SF were magnificent in all but their execution (back to the Joan-of-Arc bit again) of the final pass or their choice of options when presented with holes in our defensive lines. They fluffed their lines all game unlike the actors who performed before it. By contrast the thin blue (magenta, French grey and brown) line held firm in defence and capitalised on every one of their mistakes.
The first English team to win away at Stade Francais? If that is true then it adds an extra element of pleasure to the pride we all must feel at the performance of the whole team and if it isn’t then who cares? Top of the pool with 2 wins on the road. We couldn’t have asked for more. However, beware the wounded pride of a magnificent beast humbled in his own back yard by the new kid on the block. Apologies for the mangled metaphors but you know what I mean. Round 1 to us. Round 2 kicks off today. I can’t wait.
While you are waiting though don’t forget to book your place at the Quinssa 6N Dinner. Tickets on sale in the Etihad stand from the Quinssa guys there or by email to rugbybird@quinssa.org.uk You’ll want to chat with the players about playing at the Stade de France and winning.
We mustn’t forget to thank Les Amis, the SF supporters club who laid on sumptuous feasts before and after the game for the Quinssa contingent and who have travelled here today to enjoy our more modest entertainment and hospitality at the Stoop.
The next coach to Northampton on the 20th December is full. The coach to Wasps on the 4th January is filling up fast. coaches@quinssa.org.uk for bookings.
Steve Scott
steve@quinssa.org.uk
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