Rugby Union: Shelford marches on
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Northampton. . . . .21
Harlequins . . . . .16
SUFFERING SAINTS used to be up for grabs but now, like the words from the song, they enjoy marching in. Last season, for the first time in their history, Northampton topped 1,000 points and on Tuesday they headed off in that direction again by opening the new campaign with a 76-0 home win over Rugby. .
Quins lost at Northampton in a League visit in January. Yesterday, hit hardest by England squad calls and injuries, they were on the receiving end again, two tries to one.
Making a difference, and a big one in this friendly, was Wayne Shelford. The great All Black may look a bit of a porker at the moment but with Quins 11 short of a full first-team set, he threw his weight around to great effect.
But Harlequins kept pretty much in contact and with Bob Templeton, the Wallabies' assistant coach, helping out at The Stoop you could not possibly write them off at this early stage.
The real test starts on Saturday week when the League gets underway, with Northampton at home to Bristol and Quins away to the champions, Bath.
Yesterday, it was all square after 25 minutes, John Steele's two penalties matched by Stuart Thresher's. Come half time, though, in a vigorously contested match, it was the Saints who made the initial positive move. Shelford stood off a ruck and his overhead pass was transmitted via the exciting newcomer Nick Beal and Harvey Thorneycroft to Rob MacNaughton for a try.
Then, deep in the second half, a one-two between Brett Taylor and Shelford led to a try for Phil Pask. Saints always looked winners, though Quins cheered themselves up when Chris Sheasby arrived in support of Mike Wedderburn for a closing try.
Northampton: J Griffiths; F Packman, N Beal, R MacNaughton, H Thorneycroft; J Steele (capt), B Taylor; C Allen, P Roworth, G Pearce, J Etheridge, D Jones, P Walton, W Shelford, P Pask.
Harlequins: S Thresher; M Wedderburn, G Thompson, M Eans, E Davis; P Challiner, B Short; M Hobley, N Killick, M Pratley, P Thresher, S Dear, M Russell, C Sheasby, A Fox (capt).
Referee: L Bryant (Bristol).
Scorers: Steele (pen, 3 min) 3-0; S Thresher (pen, 18) 3-3; S Thresher (pen, 25) 3-6; Steele (pen, 32) 6-6; MacNaughton/Steele (try/con, 39) 13-6; Pask (try/con, 69) 18-6; S Thresher (pen, 71) 18-9; Sheasby/Thresher (try/con 75) 18-16; Steele (pen, 79) 21-16.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments