Programme Notes 2008/9
Ulster
The big question last week was who decided to appoint Norman Wisdom as Head Coach for the Llanelli match? I’m just glad someone noticed so that John Kingston could take over for the 2nd half? Reports of his “pep-talk” over the orange quarters suggest that he didn’t actually share the humour. The alternative thought was that our players had finally got the message that they needed to play the second half like they started the season playing the first half, but had misunderstood and played the first half like they had played the whole of the relegation season. What other explanation can there be?
I sat in the comfort of the east wing of the Funnell ancestral home, watching utter dross play out in front of me, with just enough energy at half-time to climb into next door’s garden and kick their cat, before masochistically settling down, with a protruding bottom lip, for the second half. A half that was so different in attitude, control and execution that it was hard not to question whether the half-time orange quarters had been supplemented with something interesting. I don’t know how Chris Robshaw felt, but I was dropping in front of the telly with cramp as we hit stoppage time!
Does this really mean that Quins are taking the premier European trophy seriously? I’ve only been a season ticket holder for ten years, and don’t recall a period of rugby in this competition that could match it. I remember us leading Treviso 18-0 at the Stoop, and still losing it. The commentators remarked that the last match we had won in the Heineken Cup was against Bridgend, which I remember clearly, because I wore a new pair of flares and a tank-top.
I really must take the time to welcome our visitors from Ulster. It will make a change to play host to supporters who actually come from the Emerald Isle, rather than manufactured from man-made fibres. However, I would like to warn our Ulster chums not to be insulted if they hear conversations in earshot involving children, that go something like this; “but Daddy, don’t they talk funny?” “Yes son, they’re Irish”. “But Daddy, I though the Irish spoke with a Berkshire burr!”
If you’re not already a Quinssa member, and recently number 1042 was signed up, then get in quick. We have mentioned before the tie-up with Etihad, and they are providing further benefits of Quinssa membership, including a draw for two ‘bring a friend’ tickets to Quins versus Bath on 30th November; a draw for a pair of hospitality tickets for the Worcester game on 10th January for all members who donate a gift in our Christmas charity fund raiser; and a draw for all members who have flown Etihad between June 1st 2008 and December 31st 2008 to win one of two pairs of hospitality tickets for Worcester on 10th January. Etihad will also be very kindly donating a pair of tickets to fly to Abu Dhabi to be raffled at the Quinssa 6 Nations Dinner on 10th February. Membership is only £5 so can you afford not to be a member?
Cliff Funnell
Cliff@quinssa.org.uk
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