Rugby union Premiership 2008-2009 Season

[Mike]

The rugby union premiership started this weekend with some fantastic games. Just watching the premiership round up on ITV 4 and seen a masterful London Irish win 26-14 vs wasps!

[Mike]

The highlights made the second match seem very exciting with Saracens beening in a trailing side for nearly the full 80 minutes. Eventual score line was 21-24 to Harlequins. Great game and so vey close.

[Mike]

Northampton 21-13 Worcester! This was a very hard fought and scrappy match with the effort of both teams not really reflected in the final score. It should have been much closer. Best game seen this far.

[Mike]

Newcastle vs Sale was quite a boring match with about 5 mind of coverage. Final score from lots of kicking 9-14 to Sale.

[Mike]

Sale seem to have played another hard fought match based almost whole on Kicking. Okay the kicks made sure that they won the match but lets me honest, we go to the rugby to see some serious try scoring (against the oposition obviously). Now I did not see this match but I bet the ITV highlights give it a 2 minute round up again. Sale need to regrain the balence. They are never in the BBC news top for the scoring results and they are practically ignored on TV. We need a better digital fan base. Off I go to search Sale Sharks on the BBC website to see if they actually up their importance to the club.

[Mike]

Sale Sharks are tied at the top of the Premiership with Leicester. Both of these teams have won three out of three. However, Sale really need to try and work on their try scoring abilities with only one try score in three matches. We obviously have a strong defence but we really need to see some improved attacking to get away from the kicking game we seem to be playing at the moment. All three games have been pretty close so far.The next game vs Gloucester is on Friday 26 September and promises to be a very important game.

[Mike]

Whim of the moment has decided us that we are going to this game! K.O is 7:45 pm and so far 5 have been confirmed for going (after the two season ticket holders Miss Chrissy and Mr James!). Suppose that the plan could be to convene at my house at 7:15 or so to give us some time to walk to the ground and for the greedy Mike to get himself some chips (or equivalent) prior to K.O! There will be two parking permits available from us if you need them, let me know as it will be first come first serve (I can say this safely because I think there are only two cars!).

You still okay to get the tickets mr_e? Will be able to give you the money on Thursday / Friday whatever you need.

Any news on the potential freebies Phil?

I think that the five are:
Mike
Phil
Becky
mr_e
Al

Lizzie has sent her apologies! Obviously men in shorts wrestling in mud don't hold the same facination as they used to!

[stimpsonslostson]

No news on the freebies, He cant always get them. Bugger, guess we'll just have to pay John instead.
With Mr Gordon living close we could probably eliminate one car from the equation. I'm happy to drive down from didsbury (I can give lifts to anyone who needs one- maybe bring a car load- Al, John wanna lift?)
Should be fun, I've not been to a game since the 2000 6nations at Murrayfield.
P

[BarcelonAl]

I'm in for the car-pool...means I can have a beer as well, which is always important on a Friday. When do you want me at yours?

[stimpsonslostson]

I'm going with my usual response of "I don't care. Just show up whenever you're ready."
it should only take 10mins to get to mike (+ some traffic time?) so say 1850 at the latest? but before if you want.
p

[Mike]

The parking will not be busy (don't let me forget to give you a pass) but the traffic along Edgeley Road (between Morrisons and my house) can get pretty busy as everyone piles into the car parks near the college. Am sure 18:50 will give you plenty of time!

[mr_e]

I was indeed okay to get the tickets! I even bought the right number.

Phil, I should be okay getting there under my own steam, but thanks for the offer. May walk over straight from work, will see how early I can finish to try to get home first though.

[Mike]

Woot! Sale Sharks have made Guiness Premiership History by making it four games or 320 minutes without conceeding a try! Also we managed a couple of great trys from Chabal and Docherty! Therefore I have no problem awarding it a great game.

Two things to note that surprised me. mr_e was shouting enthusiastically for Sale (first time I have ever heard him!) and the second is more disappointing because I am missing the chant "let's go, let's go Charlie, let's go!". Will have to get the group singing that one soon!

[stimpsonslostson]

Nice article about how Sale and specifically Hodgson play to their strengths.

Its not been mentioned, but Leicester lost 19-28 to Wasps, so Sale are top and 2points clear. Photos 16-18 are of the sale game. 17 is good.

[BarcelonAl]

Ouch! Jonny's latest injury is a dislocated knee...he really does have the worst luck doesn't he?