tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-228326422024-03-07T23:56:44.636+00:00rugbymad or just mad?my rants about rugby and other stuff<br />photographs © Caz Mockett ARPS<br />all rights reservedCaz Mocketthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10460489611014669888noreply@blogger.comBlogger158125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22832642.post-11411601159747859042008-04-06T18:08:00.003+00:002008-11-13T03:40:17.964+00:00Revenge: A Dish Best Served ColdWhat a difference a fortnight makes!Saracens' fans didn't dare hope they might see such a turn around in their team's fortunes, but they were surprised and delighted with the guys' performance against the Ospreys at Vicarage Road.It was one of the best games I have ever witnessed Saracens play, in my 4+ years of watching them. Everyone from 1 to 22 put their all into the game.[Slippery Winger Caz Mocketthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10460489611014669888noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22832642.post-16387728766070145642008-03-30T21:35:00.000+00:002008-11-13T03:40:18.436+00:00Saracens Demolish LeedsAfter last week's debacle at the Millennium Stadium, Sarries fans were looking for a decent performance from their team for the visit of Premiership whipping boys, Leeds. They have won a couple of games, but are basically deep in relegation territory and heading for the drop next season.[Paul Gustard is tackled by the Leeds defence, but it doesn't make a lot of difference][Tom Ryder amid a sea ofCaz Mocketthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10460489611014669888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22832642.post-29255226198688628342008-03-22T23:51:00.000+00:002008-11-13T03:40:18.936+00:00Ospreys Humiliate SarriesEDF Semi-Final 2 - Ospreys vs Saracens (30-3)The second semi final was a painful thing to watch for the Saracens faithful, many of whom had travelled through sleet and snow in London to make their way to Cardiff for the game. I, for one, wondered why I'd bothered.To be fair, the first half was pretty tight, with only Shane Williams' unconverted try and a penalty from James Hook giving the OspreysCaz Mocketthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10460489611014669888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22832642.post-90657350933524705282008-03-22T19:22:00.004+00:002008-11-13T03:40:19.206+00:00Semi DetatchedEDF Semi-Final 1 - Leicester Tigers vs London Wasps (34-24)As a neutral watching the game, it was a very entertaining 80 minutes, with the lead changing hands several times, often against the run of play.I had travelled to the Millennium Stadium with the Saraacens supporters. We had seats in the East stand, about 4 rows back. Good in theory, but pretty bad for the first 40 minutes on a sunny Caz Mocketthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10460489611014669888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22832642.post-71741681665506052362008-03-15T21:51:00.004+00:002008-11-13T03:40:19.686+00:00Grand Slam For WalesSix Nations Game 15 - Wales vs France (29-12)Wales made their intentions clear from the start, and were pressing the French lines within five minutes. Then their opponents killed the ball, and James Hook [right] stepped up to take the penatly. First blood to the Welsh, 3-0. Hook had another go at goal in the 14th minute, which saile just wide of the posts.The French were committing a lot of Caz Mocketthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10460489611014669888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22832642.post-28679658128471229252008-03-15T17:25:00.002+00:002008-11-13T03:40:19.934+00:00England Convince Against IrelandSix Nations Game 14 - England vs Ireland (33-10)After poor performances from both sides last week, it was crunch time for England and Ireland's last game of the Championship.Ireland struck first with a try from Rob Kearney in the 4th minute - just the start that English fans at Twickenham didn't want! Ronan O'Gara added the extras without a hitch, and the hosts were down 0-7. England were caught Caz Mocketthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10460489611014669888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22832642.post-73067390252099608212008-03-15T15:43:00.002+00:002008-11-13T03:40:20.181+00:00Italy End On A HighSix Nations Game 13 - Italy vs Scotland (23-20)The Italians managed first blood when their pack were scrummaging well, and the Scots half collapsed - ref Nigel Owens gave a penalty try on 12 minutes and the conversion was good.In the 20th minute, Scot Ally Hogg managed a try, his 10th for Scotland, from a great offload in the tackle, just reward for a long period of possession. Only the Scots 2ndCaz Mocketthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10460489611014669888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22832642.post-33068135343774423362008-03-09T19:32:00.002+00:002008-11-13T03:40:20.646+00:00Sarries Overcome SaleSaracens won an important victory against Sale to keep their Guinness Premiership playoff hopes alive.The Men In Black went ahead by 21 points to 0 initially. Ben Skirving managed a try, as did Prop Cencus Johnston, who scored from a remarkable 20-metre run, evading three tackles to cross the line. Glen Jackson added five kicks to the score too.[Sebastien Chabal, looking like Neanderthal Man][Caz Mocketthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10460489611014669888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22832642.post-63697098774187436582008-03-09T18:00:00.003+00:002008-11-13T03:40:20.920+00:00France Edge Out ItalySix Nations Game 12 - France vs Italy (25-13)Despite Italy's persistance, France managed to pick up a vital victory at the Stade de France to keep their Six Nations title hopes alive.Marc Lievremont rang the changes once more, with several new caps. But the gamble paid off, to keep the Gallic side in the running for a showdown next week with their Celtic rivals Wales.The French were only just in Caz Mocketthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10460489611014669888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22832642.post-11344496436121412872008-03-08T19:39:00.004+00:002008-11-13T03:40:21.444+00:00England A Shambles At MurrayfieldSix Nations Game 11 - Scotland vs England (15-9)An early penalty for Scotland was an early reward, with Chris Paterson accurately kicking his 27th consecutive goal kick! The heavy mud and deluging rain can't have been easy. At the end of the first quarter, England Fullback Iain Balshaw and Rory Lamont slid to collect a ball. Instead, Balshaw's knee connected with Lamont's head, and there was a Caz Mocketthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10460489611014669888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22832642.post-82077192089971106412008-03-08T17:00:00.001+00:002008-11-13T03:40:21.767+00:00Wales Take Triple CrownSix Nations Game 10 - Ireland vs Wales (12-16)Ireland started well with a couple of penalties against the men in red, but eventually the Welsh were able to claw one back for themselves and the score stood t 6-3 at half time. Welsh scrum half Mike Philips [right] spent ten iminutes in the bin either side of the break for a professional foul.But despite having a specialist player out for his sins, Caz Mocketthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10460489611014669888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22832642.post-9890102520888976422008-02-23T21:41:00.006+00:002008-11-13T03:40:22.367+00:00England Turn Over FranceSix Nations Game 9 - France vs England (13-24)England got the perfect start, despite France running the ball. In the first five minutes, Jamie Noon put a huge hit on Cédric Heymans who spilled the ball. Paul Sackey [right] was on hand to chase the loose ball, chip ahead and fall on the ball over the line. Jonny Wilkinson added the extras to take a 0-7 lead.The French then gave away silly Caz Mocketthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10460489611014669888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22832642.post-64346475082071577682008-02-23T19:11:00.007+00:002008-11-13T03:40:22.864+00:00Croke Park CrackerSix Nations Game 8 - Ireland vs Scotland (34-13)The first few minutes presented Scotland with a penalty chance, but Chris Paterson opted not to take the 3 points, insted going for a bigger pirze. Unfortunately, Ireland weren't letting the Scots through their defence and the chance for any points went begging.The first 20 minutes saw Scotland showing plenty of endeavour, but no points on the boardCaz Mocketthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10460489611014669888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22832642.post-33443001799233567042008-02-23T17:29:00.006+00:002008-11-13T03:40:23.421+00:00Welsh Rout ItaliansSix Nations Game 7 - Wales vs Italy (47-2)The Italians have been slow to start their last two games, and they intended to try better this time round. But they gave away two silly penatlies in the first few minutes, to take Wales into a 6-0 lead.In the 12th minute, Wales stuffed up their own lineout deep in their own half; Italian prop Martin Castrogiovanni caught the overthrow and dived for the Caz Mocketthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10460489611014669888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22832642.post-47574482685572680252008-02-10T21:14:00.000+00:002008-11-13T03:40:23.736+00:00England Scrape Past ItalySix Nations Game 6 - Italy vs England (19-23)England fans can be forgiven for thinking there was a certain amount of déjà vu this weekend. For the second game running, the Red Rose boys looked promising, even impressive in the first 40 minutes, but seemed to go to pieces in the second half. Thankfully this time the result was different.Jonny Wilkinson [right] initially appeared to be on song whenCaz Mocketthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10460489611014669888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22832642.post-71350108270702300402008-02-09T23:33:00.000+00:002008-11-13T03:40:24.115+00:00Late Irish Revival Can't Stop FranceSix Nations Game 5 - France vs Ireland (26-21)Ireland started brightly with quick ruck ball, camping in the French 22 for 2-3 minutes. But then just when they were expecting France to kick, Aurelian Rougerie steamed up the middle, the ruck formed and France had a chance of a penalty - which Elissalde pushed wide.Bernard Jackman's first lineout was a disaster, going to French hands. Les Bleus Caz Mocketthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10460489611014669888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22832642.post-76108946934005141732008-02-09T22:52:00.000+00:002008-11-13T03:40:24.408+00:00Wales March OnSix Nations Game 4 - Wales vs Scotland (30-15)The game started with a furious first ten minutes, plenty of action but no points, until 12 mins when Wales caught with penalty and Dan Parks made it 0-3. A wayward Scottish kick 2 mins later landed in the large paws of Mike Philips, who made a great break, passed out to the wing for Shane Williams [left] to make a lovely sidestep and score. James Caz Mocketthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10460489611014669888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22832642.post-50964811172441829862008-02-03T20:19:00.000+00:002008-11-13T03:40:25.145+00:00French RenaissanceSix Nations Game 3 - Scotland vs France (6-27)For the first time in years, the Scots started as favourites against France. They have a settled team whilst France have new faces in their team and a new coach - Marc Lievremont - after "Mad" Bernie Laporte's retirement from the job.Scotland were the first to put points on the board with Dan Parks landing a good long-range drop goal in the 4th minuteCaz Mocketthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10460489611014669888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22832642.post-47923348276094429302008-02-02T23:22:00.000+00:002008-11-13T03:40:25.929+00:00A (Sorry) Tale of Two HalvesSix Nations Game 2 - England vs Wales (19-26)The long-anticipated Six Nations didn't begin as Englands' supporters would have wanted. There was early promise in the first half, and I was pleasantly surprised with the way England were playing - with some width and adventure.The two teams traded early penalties, and then England camped in the Welsh half for a few minutes. David Strettle looked Caz Mocketthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10460489611014669888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22832642.post-9364894397912394882008-02-02T20:38:00.000+00:002008-11-13T03:40:26.655+00:00Shakey Ireland See Off ItalySix Nations Game 1 - Ireland vs Italy (16-11)After their disappointing performance in the World Cup last autumn, Ireland were out to prove they can play decent rugby. The game took a while to get going, but around ten minutes, Ireland managed to put together a few phases and attack the Italian line, but the Azzurri turned the ball over to save a try. Ireland managed a penalty a few minutes later,Caz Mocketthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10460489611014669888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22832642.post-88405102838299436962008-01-28T22:00:00.000+00:002008-11-13T03:40:27.279+00:00Sarries Squeeze Out BathYesterday's game against Bath was a cracker. Saracens were without talismans in their team - Chris Jack has briefly gone back to NZ for a family commitment; Kevin Sorrell will be out for at least another 3 weeks with an ankle injury, and Captain Neil de Kock was pulled from the squad at the last minute to prevent a hamstring injury getting worse if played on, his place taken by Scrum Half Alan Caz Mocketthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10460489611014669888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22832642.post-36182351184437269092008-01-16T19:26:00.000+00:002008-11-13T03:40:27.716+00:00Jumping ShipIt's that time of year again when players are negotiating new contracts as theirs come up for renewal.Several players have made (perhaps) surprising moves over the last few days. Firstly, Welsh Scrum Half Dwayne Peel [left] has announced he's off to Sale next season. New Wales coach Warren Gatland had stated that he wouldn't be picking people who play their rugby outside of Wales, but apparently Caz Mocketthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10460489611014669888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22832642.post-88456328040147719962008-01-12T23:07:00.000+00:002008-11-13T03:40:28.684+00:00Basques Sent PackingHaving lost their last two matches, one home and one away to Bristol, the Sarries faithful were hoping for better things when Biarritz came calling for their Heineken Cup pool match. For the first half hour or so, there were a few heads in hands as the Men In Black seemed to be letting things slide once more. Two paltry penalties were all they had to show for their efforts, while Biarritz had Caz Mocketthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10460489611014669888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22832642.post-64404146638389366682007-12-30T23:23:00.000+00:002008-11-13T03:40:29.703+00:00Festive Falcons VisitWith Saracens' recent form, I think most folks were expecting an easy victory against the visiting Newcastle Falcons. But we all know what comes before a fall, and Jonny Wilkinson & Co pulled off their first victory at Vicarage Road since 2001, and also their first away win in the Premiership in over a year.As has happened in recent weeks for the Men In Black, the first half was a bit of a Caz Mocketthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10460489611014669888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22832642.post-77111428833394741542007-12-09T23:20:00.000+00:002008-11-13T03:40:30.804+00:00Viadana Get PulpedI have to admit, I had little enthusiasm for the idea of rugby on a pouring wet day, and as I set out to drive the 100+ mile round trip in a deluge yesterday, I sincerely hoped it would be worth my trouble. I had decided against going on the train (an equally appalling prospect from Chelmsford to Watford), so had to queue for half an hour for a car park space with all the Christmas shoppers. Caz Mocketthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10460489611014669888noreply@blogger.com0