Saints Stumble, But Have They Done Enough?

By Richard Isaacs - September 21 2006
Saints Stumble, But Have They Done Enough?
Has two Ankles!
The London Division Four South-West future of Southampton is in the balance after they dropped to their eleventh defeat of a difficult season, but even if they had won, they would have raised no higher than their third-from-bottom position, writes Richard Isaacs.
And they should have won too had it not been for two disallowed tries through skipper Tony Cador in the first half or the fact that the Saints gifted Purley John Fisher two tries in the last five minutes having led 13-6.

Now they are reliant on three of the five relegation/play-off possibilities having to be realised, ranging from the drop zone in National Two to the play-offs from each of the London League above them to be saved from a return to Hampshire One.

But this game typified everything that the Test Park outfit have gone through this term - plenty of pressure being applied, but not turning it into points. Showing extensive effort and commitment, only for it not to count in the wins column.

Two penalties through Dave Griffiths opened up a 6-3 interval lead, but there was cause for disappointment as Cador went over twice, only for both to be disallowed and the danger cleared as Southampton pressed for an advantage.

Griffiths did register a try and conversion, which looked like being enough until some sloppy defending let PJF to steal the points in the dying minutes of the contest, although as it turned out US Portsmouth and Old Emanuel winning still meant they remained in their starting position.

Now, Cador and his men have to wait until April 26 to find out their fate, but they will be willing Newbury, Lydney, Haywards Heath, Portsmouth and Barnes to victory in their respective games.