My view for this one is from the East Stand, the only stand open for the game. This competition doesn’t seem to have captured the imagination or interest of the home fans. It makes sense to have one full stand rather than 4 sparsely occupied, however having paid £800 for a season ticket I’d rather be sitting in my own seat without the sun in my eyes. But hey ho, a suntan top up it will be! I’m going to try to write this as I go along, we’ll see how that goes!
Alex Goode started at 10, Alex Lozowski kept the captaincy, hopefully Saracens will have more control in this game. Nick Isiekwe rose high for both the first kick off and the first line out. Goode kicked for territory early, the ball appeared to be touched, but that wasn’t seen jf so, which gave us the first scrum near the Saracens 22. A Hartpury put in the scrum half came away with the ball. The ball was knocked on as Rotimi Segun tackled, next scrum, Saracens. Tom Willis took the ball from the back of the scrum.
There must’ve been another lost challenge in the Saracens camp, we had matching flankers as Nathan Michelow now has the bottle blonde look! That could be confusing! Nathan looks taller but who can tell that in a ruck!
Hartpury had the first real attacking chance after a great kick from a penalty by their 10, Harry Bazelgette, 2 penalties given away by Saracens, but they won the 3rd line out, Aled Davies kick went straight out, but the 4th line out was also won. A better kick from Davies this time and a penalty given by Hartpury put Saracens in a good position. Davies kicked the ball through and the Hartpury player who took that ball got bundled into touch. Saracens kept the ball close before it went into the backs, Tom Parton, who’s looked better each week went close, he was probably tackled high, but got the ball out to Segun who scored. Lozowski, kicking missed the extras. Sam Smith (not that one!) who’d tackled Parton was lead off the pitch, injured.
Saracens had a good attack after what looked like another high tackle, perhaps that law wasn’t in play today? (I thought Callum Hunter m-Hill had tackled high early in the game) Hartpury were targeting the ball as they tackled and Michellow didn’t manage to get to ground, the ball was turned over.
Tom Parton then failed to release the ball after it’d been kicked ahead, the kick didn’t make it to touch this time. The next penalty was just the other side of the halfway line and Bazelgette called for the Tee, a great kick it sailed through the posts.
Davies charged down a clearing kick but it didn’t bounce well for him or one of the peroxide twins, but it did give Saracens a scrum close to the Hartpury line, they chose to try to run it in and were forced into touch.
Segun really is a sight to see! He scored his and Saracens 2nd as they returned the ball from a kick out behind the posts, a perfect wingers try he eluded any possible tackle. Lozowski added the extras.
Samson Adejjmi starting at Hooker once again showed his speed, tackled by Josh Hathaway who went down like a stone, he left the pitch sadly. A real concern with Hartpury’s season proper starting soon.
Tom Willis, who’s had a great start with Saracens had a go at rolling down the pitch, which is not allowed, another penalty conceded. Hartpury looked to be onto something after a lovely pass out of the back of his hands by winger Smith, but they conceded a penalty in the following ruck. Hartpury defended their line twice and won possession as half time arrived. The teams went in with the score on Saracens 12 Hartpury 3.
Some musings at half time, my heart is in my mouth when Nick Isiekwe goes into contact, having read about his heart operation, I can only imagine how his Mum, Ruth, must feel! He’s a remarkable young man!
It was great to see Ralph Adams Hale and Alec Cleary on the pitch after half time, both coming back from long term injuries.
Hartpury had a promising attack after a lovely cross field kick from Bazalgette but that came to nothing, it deserved more. He has some flair the Hartpury 10.
But the next piece of flair came from Tom Willis, a big man, he showed his speed to storm up the pitch, he passed at the perfect time to Olly Hartley who scored. Lozowski converted to take Saracens to 19.
Samson Ademjimi, Hooker or Winger? Wow he showed a turn of pace to score Saracens next try, with an added dummy too, it was an excellent effort! Lozowski converted to take Saracens to 26.
Sean Maitland entered the fray after the try, another sight for sore eyes!
Saracens had their running rugby heads on and a great pass from Lozowski to Hartley, a big and fast centre, saw Hartley pass to Davies who scored.
Tom Willis and Alex Goode left the pitch on 55 minutes, it’s been a good run out for both players.
Samson Adejimi scored a try more fitting for a Hooker (I type with a smile) going over from close range. Lozowski added the extras and Saracens moved to 40.
Toby Knight, who’s impressed again and seems to be of the Ben Earl mould, was next over the line after Hartley went close, with several players on his back, he’s incredibly strong! Extras added and Saracens had 47.
I was hoping for a try for Hartpury, I felt they deserved one, they were gifted one by the ball falling out of Manu Vunipola’s hands as he went to pass. They deserved a worldie, they got a softie, some of their backs play had been great. Smith was the try scorer he wasn’t going to look a gift horse in the mouth.
I’ve got behind looking for the try scorer. Ollie Stonham was offered his own gift horse at the other end, Gareth Simpson took the kick, a hard one, and converted.
Toby Knight got his second from close to the line, after a lovely couple of passes, one from Vunipola saw Maitland go close. Another lovely kick from Simpson took Saracens to 61.
There was time for one more try for Saracens, another great pass from Vunipola put Simpson in to score, he converted his own try and the go an score was Saracens 68 Hartpury 10.
Alex Lozowski was Man of the Match, playing an unsung heroes part.
With the Premiership starting at Exeter next week there were many positives to take from this game, defending the title will be hard with so many players at the World Cup. Alex Goode will hopefully be the starting 10 next week.
At a time when the game is in difficulty the crowds for these matches at the Stoniest Stadium have been disappointing, I’ve enjoyed watching the Saracens team improve over the weeks. I can’t wait for Saracens first home game in the Premiership against Bath on October 21st, which I’ll be watching from my own seat!
Please find a link below to some excellent photos taken by Rotimi Segun’s father Adedapo
365 Sporting Days 