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CLUBS UPDATE, 20th September 2005

Next Match

Saracens vs Sale Sharks
 

Sunday 25th September
Kick Off 15:00

 Match report

Worcester Warriors 25 Saracens 24

Saracens were denied victory over Worcester with an injury time try robbing them of all five points after the Men in White had crossed the line four times for the all important bonus point.

Saracens thought they were home and dry after fine tries from Haughton, Castaignede and two from full back Dan Scarbrough had earned them a 17-24 lead but veteran Tony Windo crossed the line in injury time to put the home side to within a point and fly half Shane Drahm was on target with the simple conversion to win the game 25-24.

Saracens at least took two points from the game, which lifts them into fifth for now, but this will be scant consolation as the team and coaches reflect on what could have been.

It was a good hard game of rugby," said Saracens Director of Rugby Steve Diamond. "I felt we should have controlled the game better in the last 10 minutes and we’re obviously disappointed to score four tries away from home and be on the end of a defeat.

"It should have been a five point victory, but we’re grateful to go away with two points – that will be more than a lot of teams who will visit Sixways this season.

"They were very strong up front and we just lacked a bit of composure and control in the end. But they had a pretty good game plan and it got the better of us in the end."

Head Coach Mike Ford added: "With the ball in hand, we caused them a lot of problems and we’re disappointed to lose, but it’s another learning curve for this team. I believe we are in good shape and I think it says a lot about the side that in the last play of the game we broke away, were still competitive and could have snatched it.

"We saw how creative we can be when we have the ball and we scored four very good tries. It’s the next step in our progression and we’ll take what we have learned into the game against Sale on Sunday at Vicarage Road."

Man of the match- Dan Scarborough

Team News

Ford reflects on Worcester and looks ahead to Sharks clash

Head Coach Mike Ford highlighted the number of positives the squad will take from the game against Worcester Warriors.

Although clearly disappointed not to win at Sixways, after reviewing the video of the match, Ford took massive positives from the game –

Ford said: "There were a couple of turning points in the game the first of which was the sin binning of the two players. Only seconds earlier, we had a great four on two chance on the wing and then we ended up down to 13 men. Two minutes later we conceded the penalty try which seems very harsh when you look at it on the video.

"We’re trying to install the mentality into this team that they just roll up their sleeves and get on with it and we fought back very well with 13-men to get ourselves back in the game and score a good try,

"In the second half, we played some decent football, but our own ill discipline saw us give away some penalties and as a result, field position. We’ve got to keep our aggression, but also our discipline.

"But our attacking play was as good as its been so far this year. We scored four terrific tries and we had other chances to score more during the game. Even in the final play of the game we could have scored. What we’ll need to do is work more on what happens when we break through the first line of defence.

"We understand the nature of the competition – it’s about 22 games and finishing in the top four. And although we lost the game, we did see massive positives. We got one or two things wrong, but we will work on them in training but we won’t forget the positives."

With Cobus Visagie pulling out injured before the game along with Kevin Yates and Ben Broster coming off the field on Saturday, Ford added that the medical team face a busy week

He said; "The injured will be assessed over the coming days and we’ll see what the situation is later in the week but the medical people will be working earning their money."

Ford has again called on fans to create a fantastic atmosphere for the game against Sale Sharks visit Vicarage Road on Sunday

He said: "Your support at Twickenham and against Leeds was fantastic – it can really give us a massive advantage. On Saturday, we saw a cauldron like atmosphere at the end of the game and that’s what we want to create at Vicarage Road.

Other News

The Saracens Foundation Land Rover Off-Road Challenge...

Saracens Foundation, the charitable arm of Saracens, has teamed up with Land Rover, Premier Rugby Sponsors, to provide you with this unique opportunity.

Thanks to the sponsorship provided by Land Rover all of the income generated by the event will be donated to the Saracens Foundation (registered Charity 1079316).

These funds will help the Saracens foundation expand its nationally acclaimed work in enhancing the lives of disadvantaged children and young people through sport

Land Rover Off-Road Challenge
Hounslow Hall Estate, Newton Longville, Milton Keynes, MK17 0BU

Friday 21st October 2005
9.30am arrival- 4.00pm departure

Join Andy Farrell, Richard Hill, Director of Rugby Steve Diamond and other members of the Saracens Squad for a day’s off-roading at the Land Rover Experience Centre. The day will include:

Breakfast - Off Roading in Four Land Rover Vehicles - Lunch - Fly Fishing - Clay Pigeon Shooting - Archery - Saracens players and Coaches in Attendance

Price: £175 per person or £500 for a team of three

For booking and further information please contact Richard Gregg on 01923 204 602 Email: richardgregg@saracens.net

Note: There are limited places so please book early to avoid disappointment


Masterclass October 2005

This October Half term we have planned 3 courses that are available. Each will allow an opportunity for players to improve their skills and develop their rugby under the guidance of qualified coaches and working with Saracens’ professional players.

Saracens Masterclass Kicking Clinic (U12-U18) Mon 24th Oct

This is a one day skill specific course. If you are interested in developing your kicking skills this is the perfect opportunity for you.

Venue: University of Hertfordshire Time: 9:00-16:00 Cost: £50.00

Saracens Masterclass (U9-U16) Tues 25th – Thurs 27th Oct

This three day Masterclass is aimed at all ‘rugby mad’ youngsters and provides an opportunity for players to improve their skills and develop their rugby knowledge

Venue: Bishops Stortford Rugby Club Time: 9:00–16:00 Cost: £105

Girls Masterclass (U12-U17) Fri 28th Oct

This one day Masterclass is specifically aimed at girls and provides a unique opportunity for players to develop their game with Saracens’ players

Venue: University of Hertfordshire Time: 9:00-16:00 Cost: £40.00


For further Information on these courses e-mail masterclass@saracens.net or call Richard on 01923 204 602




 

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