I don't want to look to the (very bright and rosy) future or dwell on the (dark, cratered) past... because this win was so marvellous that I simply want to savour the present moment for a few days. I want to sit and meditate in it. Let the pleasure percolate longer. Kinda like tantra.
It is the finest win of the season and arguably of Flanno’s tenure so far. For some reasons.
Let’s look at the Shirescum reasons first of all. Our hated derby rival who have sadly lorded over us for half a decade now. An apparent premiership contender at the start of the year, playing at basically full strength. Boasting Addin Fonua Blake and Tom Hazelton in the front row who both spurned our advances. Four wins on the trot, with this win offering them the chance to leapfrog up into 5th spot and possibly push for a top 4 finish. On top of all this, the bunker decides to gift them 8 points courtesy of some of the most bullshit rule interpretations you’ll ever see. Because why the hell not.
Then, there’s us. No such top 4 carrot to play for, and no favours from the bunker. Su’a, Holmes, Tuipolotu, Egan, and two Couchmen all out injured. Moses Suli ruled out mid match with Cookie replacing him. A 19 year old debutant in the centres, and an 18 year old debutant on the bench. Yet at every stage of the game I thought we were the better side. Zero (nought, nil, nada) points conceded in the second half! A gritty, tough but powerful performance. So many heroes to mention, I could probably list them all – but the list must begin at the very top with the captain. What a leader. I would die for Gutho
Such a great, great win. I shall bathe in it.
www.nrl.com
