Why this madness ?

I dragged myself away from the TV i.e. Ireland v S.Africa (current World Champions and Tri-Nations champions!) and it at Croke Park !!!

Why this madness ?

Well, I didn't want to miss seeing history being made: no, not Ireland's third win in a row over South Africa, but The Two's winning their fourth game in a row and by the handsome margin of 40 - 7 in the murky gloom of Southgate Park. Hardly a venue tripping of the tongues of co***e rugby cognoscenti - although after yesterday's result surely the rest of the rugby world should be sitting up and taking notice ?

When I tell you that four in a row and five for the season is, so far as I know, more than the total number of Second team wins in the whole of the last three seasons you may - just - begin to see where I am coming from, as they say.

(I finally watched the Ireland - South Africa video at midnight, a game to savour....as if you Twickers-Slickers care !)

It was a day for the feeble-minded and weak-willed to lie abed, cowering under the bedclothes, while real men, physically strong from their shiny domes to their trimmed toe nails, got out there and played some exciting rugby in conditions that were not for the faint-hearted.

Nor was there anyway of confirming that any of the thirty odd players and officials on and around the pitch were in possession of entirely sound minds. (And what’s wrong with that ?)

On the other hand, spending the afternoon in an unhealthy and swine flu-ridden shopping mall hardly suggests a high level of sanity either, does it ?

Saints were quickly on the attack and went ahead after five minutes when Chris Eagles powered over for one of his three tries which Shane Kenny converted. Shortly afterwards the same player kicked an audacious drop goal putting his team 10 - 0 up after less than ten minutes.

This was hardly the two’s I know and love !

Burgess Hill struck back with a converted try to make it 10 - 7 and play ebbed back and forth for the next ten minutes. Saint’s pack adapted more quickly to the conditions and began to dominate the scrums and line-outs.

Saint’s back row trio were the more dynamic and creative and used their supply of good ball intelligently. They combined well with James Smyth, who impressed in only his third game as a scrum half. He varied his play, and was dangerous on the break or when chipping over the visitors defence.

On other occasions Saints pack took the ball through several phases before releasing it to the backs who enjoyed a better supply of good ball than in some of their previous games.

Croissant and Knight made good ground on several occasions before having to leave the pitch with minor injuries. The front row demonstrated their technique, strength and stamina which meant Mark Eastman had another memorable afternoon, taking at least five heels against the head before half-time.

While the weather dictated a forwards-oriented game, nevertheless Saints backs used their good ball intelligently. Sometimes they kicked and followed up fast which put the Burgess Hill defenders under a lot of pressure. Or they ran the ball when the opportunity arose.

More tries seemed bound to come and come they did. Six more in all.

The half-time score was 25 - 7 in favour of Saints.

Saints defence was the best yet and Joe Lavery who played at full back commented after the match that it was the first time in at least three seasons that he had not been called upon to make try-saving tackles on opponents who had broken through the backs.

Chris Eagles who had a good game at prop, had a day to remember as he scored twice more, making three tries in all, a feat which got him a well-deserved man-of-the-match award.

Winger Richard Cottrell also got a-man-of-the-match award. He finished off several good back line moves by scoring two tries on only his third game or the club.

The remaining tries were scored by Shane Kenny and by captain Steven Hand who once again provided the charismatic leadership that persuades otherwise sensible men to get out of their beds on cold and wet days to go and play rugby with him.

The match finished in the gloaming with the score 40 - 7 in favour of Saints.

Squad : Eagles, Eastman, Knight, Mallet, Croissant, Hand (Capt), Constable, Nicoll, Smyth, Kenny, Cottrell, Hale, Niemand, Ledger, Lavery, Pritchard, James, Bounds, Williams, Bush.