The talking point of the weekend was Harlequins pipping Bath to fourth place and a much prized play-off semi-final. A crucial ‘winner takes all’ game, which had us all on the edge of our seats - right into the red.
A fantastic
but risky long pass from Danny Care to Mike Brown saw the Quins take an early
lead, but George Ford decided to equalise in jaw dropping style - accelerating,
darting and dodging defenders – with deftness like no other. In the second
half, it was the Quins’ ability to concoct quick turnovers and the dependable
boot of Nick Evans which highlighted the only difference between these two
sides. The rocky roller-coaster of this Premiership season has been a
kaleidoscopic adventure for the London side, and now this 19-16 victory will
see them face the supreme Saracens at Allianz Park next Saturday. What a
mind-blowingly magnificent result for Conor O'Shea and his merry men.
Second-placed
Northampton Saints were looking to seal a home semi-final, but as the London
Wasps took an early 0-13 lead - with tries from Charlie Davies and Tom Varndell
- it looked doubtful,. However, the match then proved one-way traffic for
Northampton, turning play around to record the largest Premiership win this
season so far, 74-13. Captain Phil Dowson and George North notched up a try a
piece in the first half, along with the multi-faceted Stephen Myler, and just
short of half time, Luther Burrell secured the bonus point try. But it didn't
stop there!! Seven tries followed in the second half - and the Saints now go
into their Friday night semi against Leicester - hungry, confident and
determined they can secure that all important Premiership final place.
With
Saracens clear on 83 points at the top of the Aviva Premiership table and a
home semi-final secured prior to Leicester arriving at Allianz Park, it was
fair to say Mark McCall had the right idea by putting out a young Saracens
squad. The Tigers, on the other hand, had different plans; with a first team
squad starting. Back from injury, it was fantastic to see Tom Croft coming off
the bench, - a joy for all Leicester and England supporters alike. A close game
and the ability of Saracens’ academy players was reflected in the tight score
line on the final whistle, 31-27. Leicester’s win secured third place in the
table and they now make the short journey down the M1 to Franklins Gardens for
this season’s third East Midlands derby ... ding ding!
The
Newcastle Falcons were looking to end a run of defeats but the intent of the
visitors, Exeter, shone through. With the likes of Luke Cowan-Dickie, Henry
Slade and Fetu'u Vainikolo all causing chaos, it ended 13-23. It was
Newcastle’s 16th straight league defeat and a sorry end to their
season, although Sinoti Sinoti did look deadly and dangerous at times. However,
with Stuart Lancaster in the crowd, the talking point afterwards was who might
be on that plane to New Zealand? Potentially Luke Cowan-Dickie? What a
phenomenal player.
Tenth
placed London Irish welcomed sixth-placed Sale Sharks to the Madjeski Stadium
and on paper at least, the home side looked to be the underdogs. Mark Easter
scored the opener and his first Premiership try for the Sharks, and a breakaway
try from Tom Arscott set Sale up nicely; but with the likes of James O'Connor
setting up Marland Yarde and Andrew Fenby scoring two, the home side were on a
roll and it definitely wasn't the luck of the Irish. The Exiles really
showcased their full repertoire of skills on Saturday and it was a sound and
satisfying 22-20 win to end the season.
The West
Country saw a huge local derby, with relegated Worcester Warriors wanting to
gift their supporters the promise of brighter times next season, and they did
just that in front of 11,852 at Sixways. With Charlie Sharples, Mike Tindall
and Billy Twelvetrees out of Gloucester’s 23-man squad due to injury, there was
more than a glimmer of hope that life might just be a little easier for the
Warriors. But don't get me wrong, it was still a tough test - especially with
Jonny May scoring twice and Sione Kalamafoni producing an outstanding game -
bringing his finest flair to the field for the Cherry and Whites. However
Worcester weren’t giving up without a fight, and managed to withstand the
pressure, with Chris Pennell, David Lemi and the reliable boot of Ryan Lamb
sealing the narrow 28-27 victory. What a great addition Lamb has been for the
team and I envisage good things to come from Warriors, as they reflect and
revitalise their squad for the challenge of the Championship next season.