News: Match Picures Bath v Saints 20/4/2010

Saints travelled to Bath with a rotated squad - the middle of three games in seven days being deemed the one to rest players. The squad came within 1 point of an upset to Bath. Our Photographers chronicle the events.

SMURF

A close match, but the Saints' second string were just pipped by a strong Bath side.

Here's my photos:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/smurfomatic/tags/10april2010/

And some favourites - from captain to kit man:


Shane kicks up some dust:


Hoppers on the charge:


Cannon gets a lineout...:

...but this one leads to Bath's try:

Shane's last minute drop goal misses the target:

Not a great game for photos as the light at the Rec isn’t great, but not a bad game to watch – one that the Saints could well have won, which is no mean achievement with something like 3 starters from Saturday against Bath’s 12 or so. We had a fantastic bench, and they made a huge difference.
 
I’m not a great fan of the Rec as a ground, but there’s no denying it’s a lovely place to watch rugby.

 
Another example of Clarke going got the tackle and the ball

 
Probably my best action shot of the night

 
The locals I spoke to seemed mighty impressed by this chap – one of those who made a real difference when he came on

 
Saints defence was very good again, with more crucial turnovers won deep in the red zone. Anyone else noticed how often we tackle with 2 players?

 
The full set can be found on my website at http://sport.shendy.co.uk/Images.php?Category=13&Gallery=63&SubGallery=%20214
 
See you on Saturday for the crucial Sarries game.
 
Simon

Apologies for the delay in getting my photos sorted out, real life got in the way!  I think the Recreation Ground at night provides the biggest challenge to photographers - the lighting is low, uneven and the different types of lights produce an odd combination which causes the camera's colour balance to go all over the place.  Somehow I produced some reasonable shots and had to work hard with the 400mm and 70-200mm lenses available to me.

I thought the lads gave it a real crack and we came so close - it also struck me how the little things can change a game. One attacking lineout that doesn't go to plan results in Saints under pressure and two poor lineouts later a try is scored by Bath. It was an excellent game to watch and it proves that the depth in Saints' squad is growing as a largely first team Bath didn't overwhelm the Saints team. One niggle - I really detest both players and supporters demanding yellow cards. It happened on numerous times and I thought marred an otherwise excellent atmosphere at the Rec.

Anyway my favourites from the evening are:
Jim and his troops...


Nacho explains a few things to Danny Grewcock...

Guess who in the charge...

Digger takes on Dixon...

Kruger on the charge...



The rest of the photos can be found 'ere...
http://clairej.smugmug.com/Rugby-Union-Season-2009-10/Bath-vs-Saints20042010/11934536_P7h3D#845198135_HbRQJ

See you on Satdee for the next big one!