Chris Ashton scoring in the last minute of the match against London Irish, January 2010

It’s been far too long since the men in GB&G have played a match – last weekend’s match against Bath was postponed when the west country was hit by the wintry weather and a significant amount of snow made the Rec unplayable and the stadium dangerous. The last moments of the previous match have kept me going though.  Nothing interesting normally happens on January 2 – my birthday. This year was a glorious exception. London Irish came to the Gardens, one place ahead of the Saints in the Guinness Premiership and clearly looking for a dust up.  The match was a feisty affair which both sides played with gusto.  It wasn’t the free flowing rugby the press all wanted but it was compelling, gritty stuff. The match came to light in the second half when Saints scored a try early on – Phil Dowson worming his way over with a little help from his forward chums.  Then Saints hits the self destruct button – a poorly floated pass into Peter Hewat’s hands for a breakaway try and a silly penalty and the game had swung Irish’s way.  But then, as has been the pattern this season, Saints came back at the opposition. First securing a penalty and then Flash has his usual impact on things.

From a reset scrum (cue howls of protest from Irish) in the last minute of the game, Dickson passed to Geraghty who passed quickly to Ashton who jiggled the ball, controlled it, turned out of the tackles from Hewat and Mapusua and crashed over for the try just to the right of the posts. And more importantly, just in front of me – it was the best birthday present a girl could have. Franklin’s Gardens went yip yip crazy and I took as many photos as I could of the celebrations.

Since then Dickson, Foden and Ashton have re-signed for the club and I am chuffed to see how the squad has developed. I hope we concentrate on this season as much as worry about next – I’ll leave things to those who know far more about it than me i.e. Jim, Dorian and Paul.

Today it’s back to the Heineken Cup and the visitors to Franklin’s Gardens are Perpignan. Saints need to win and conserve as much energy as possible as on Friday they go to Thomond Park. It’s a huge ask on the part of the organisers and one that doesn’t seem fair given Saints have to travel as well. But I am confident Saints will go well. The forecast today is for sun – I can’t quite believe that for once I’ll have some light! Next Friday, it’s back to the dark and gloom – and I can’t wait. Bring it on!

"We all dream of a team of Kenny Clarkes", Kenny Clarke scoring, January 2010

And finally, a word about my other team that I have been working at – Thurrock FC play in the Blue Square South league. They are doing really well this season and look good for at least a play-off spot. It’s been a long time since I have been to a live football match and I can honestly say DrT and I had a great time yesterday shooting the match against Bath City. C Block could learn a thing or two from the Thurrock supporters – they sang from beginning to end. The two sets of supporters sang to each other and we even had a conga. Yes football is different and sometimes goes OTT but can I pass on my thanks to everybody at the club for making me so welcome and such great atmosphere. And Thurrock won 3-1. Not a bad collection of photos either!