Saints front row celebrate, Munster vs Northampton Saints, April 2010
It was a stern test to take on such an experienced side as Munster – I feared for the Saints boys after the first 10 minutes. But they stuck in there and played some decent rugby to get back into the match. Thomond Park was as noisy as before though the atmosphere wasn’t quite as intense as for the game in January. In the end, Munster’s experience told and despite putting up a grand fight in the second half, Saints gave away some tries too easily.
The weather was fabulous which ironically brought it’s own challenges with the shadows across the pitch. I got to the ground in better time this time – the press room was heaving and I became quite adept at balancing my gear on my knee to put it together. I still haven’t quite got brave enough with the 400mm – I need to be much more patient and not swap to my 70-200mm too early. Too often I ended up with a series of beautiful but pointless match landscapes. I know it will come with time but it’s frustrating as I am shooting such important games.
After the match, we had a grand time – the Munster supporters are such sociable folks, keen to talk about the match and wishing us well in the Guinness Premiership. It was clear that those had been to the Gardens had had a grand time and were keen to come back. For DrT, the whole trip was a revelation – he normally detests any sort of entertainment before and after the match but the matchday experience of Limerick and Thomond Park changed his mind completely. He’s even gone into print about it – I’m intrigued when we will see his jottings in the Saints matchday programme.
Today it’s Gloucester and the chance to move a step nearer the big prize of a home-semi final in the Guinness Premiership. I can’t wait to see these two play each other again – the LV= Cup final was a cracker. Enjoy the game everybody:)
