Chris Ashton scores the second try of his hat trick, Northampton Saints vs Gloucester, April 2010
In a repeat of the LV= Cup Final, both Gloucester and Saints provided us with a hugely entertaining match. The sun was shining and the ground firm – the result was a fine game of running rugby where we were reminded why rugby played at pace is a joy to watch. It was Chris Ashton who stole the headlines scoring two excellent tries and generously given a try by Bruce Reihana for his hat-trick. Yet I thought it was another excellent performance from our pack particularly the back row – Wilson and Dowson are the rocks in our team, ensuring the ball is retained and released quickly to Saints back line. Time and time again one or other of them would secure safe ball and release a back at pace – it really is a delight. The Man of the Match was Lee Dickson and I had to agree with the Travis Perkins assessor. He buzzes about the FG pitch quickly clearly out the rucks and creating the rapid link between backs and forwards. His bravery is outstanding – every week he secures lose ball with absolutely no regard for his personal safety.
I enjoyed the sunshine – sitting in my usual spot at both ends of the ground, three of the Saints’ four tries were scored in front of me. I deliberately made myself use the 400mm for as long as possible. It did mean I missed the dive from Chris Ashton for his first try but I am beginning to learn when to swap and how to swap without strangling myself! The 400mm lens is a lovely lens and it is already producing some stunning results despite the ineptitude of the photographer using it.
Juandre Kruger, Bath vs Northampton Saints, April 2010
Then on Tuesday we were off to Bath – it was a long haul from work to the Recreation Ground but it was a lovely evening. I thought the lads gave it a real crack and we came so close – it also struck me how the little things can change a game. One attacking lineout that doesn’t go to plan results in Saints under pressure and two poor lineouts later a try is scored by Bath. It was an excellent game to watch and it proves that the depth in Saints’ squad is growing as a largely first team Bath didn’t overwhelm the Saints team. Yet it was a bonus point secured and another step on Saints’ progression as a team.
I think the Recreation Ground at night provides the biggest challenge to photographers – the lighting is low, uneven and the different types of lights produce an odd combination which causes the camera’s colour balance to go all over the place. Somehow I produced some reasonable shots and had to work hard with the 400mm and 70-200mm lenses available to me.
Today is the big one – win this it’s a home semi final, lose and we need to beat London Irish at the Madjeski. It’s the fourth time we have played Saracens, three of the matches will have taken place at the Gardens. Saints have to make the most of home advantage – Jim has rested a significant number of the squad yet the oldest player in the team will have played three times in a week. How Bruce Reihana keeps going is beyond me – his crunching tackle on Joe Maddock on Tuesday typifies the man. From a restart, Bruce ran 30 yards to tackle Maddock as he caught the ball. A full blooded Kiwi tackle which nearly broke Maddock in two. This was half way through the second half – 140 minutes of rugby played in 4 days and Bruce was still putting his body on the line. Amazing!
Enjoy the game everybody!
