Chris Gleadell: Future looking very bright at Gardens
If there are still any doubting Thomas's out there who thought the club were not heading in the right direction, then a trip to last Monday's Guinness A League final would have dispelled all fears.
Going into the game with a 16-point advantage from the first leg, the Wanderers put Wasps' second string to the sword 37-0 giving an overall tally of 63-10 and the title for the first time.
Due to other commitments I have not been to the Wanderers for a while, but after friends were waxing lyrical about the first leg, and indeed some performances earlier this year, I made the effort.
I'm glad I did because what I saw was real quality.
What I noticed most was the difference there has been at this level from the club since my last visit.
Taking nothing away from the efforts of those in the past, the performances were often disjointed affairs with players knowing little of each others' play, with teams seemingly throwing together with what was available.
What I saw on Monday was a team playing as a unit off each other, for each other and enjoying it to the max.
Yes, the opposition might have been lacking in certain areas, but I think it was the most complete performance, in attack and defence, I have seen from a Saints side at any level for the last few years.
If you believe there is such a thing as total 15-man rugby, then the Wanderers on Monday were not far off it.
As some of those players gravitate upwards to the 1st XV, I hope that enterprise and enthusiasm goes with them, if it does something big might just be around the corner.
So a big well done not only to the team but also to Rob Hunter, Ali Hepher and the other coaches who have moulded the Wanderers into this efficient and very entertaining unit.
I'll be back next season for a few more games.
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Friday 10 February 2012
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