The second Top 14 semi-final looked to be heading for extra time as the reliable Morgan Parra had a penalty kick at goal in the final minute of time to level the scores at 15-15. As usual he gave it his all and the ball sailed straight and true towards the three points, but then it died and fell short. Thus it was Toulon who could celebrate reaching the final against Toulouse … [Read more...]
Castres Miss(ed) Kicks Put Toulouse Into Final Of France Top 14
Toulouse will defend their Top 14 crown in Paris next Saturday after they beat Castres by 24-15 in the Stadium de Toulouse. The semi-final like so many was not a classic and in fact the first half was more a case of teams advancing thanks to the opposition mistakes, rather than class. For all this it was Castres who looked the more dangerous side and two yellow cards … [Read more...]
Pocket Rocket Williams Denies Leinster Double – Leinster 30-31 Ospreys
The RaboDirect Pro12 Final between Heineken Cup winners and table toppers Leinster and the Ospreys proved a fitting finally for Shane Williams as his second try and a conversion from Dan Biggar saw Ospreys take a last gasp win by one point in this frantic and close encounter. Leinster looked to be coasting as they went in at half time with a 17-9 lead thanks to tries … [Read more...]
Top14 France Wilkinson misfires but Toulon go through
The barrage round of the Top 14 in France produced drama on Friday night as Castres booked their place in a semi-final against Toulouse. The win appeared easy by the scoreline but it was influenced by a red card that should perhaps never have been. The game had ebb and flowed in a tight opening period but Castres did look the more organised side, going in to the break at 19-8. … [Read more...]
Premiership – Evans Purrs for Quins but no Fiesta for Ford and Tigers – Harlequins 30-23 Leicester
The 2012 Aviva Premiership Final lived up to expectations. Big hits, flare a big crowd and the sunshine coupled with two sides that had come to play and the Final gave us a great day out at Twickenham and for the uncommitted fans possibly the result they hoped for. Like their last meeting, it was Quins who started stronger and were rewarded with a Tom Williams try on 9 … [Read more...]