07/09/07

Hi again,

Well what a few weeks we have had, winning the challenge cup in great fashion, then backing up the week after with a must win game against London, I think all Saints fans had their fingers crossed that Bradford could do a number on Leeds for us, but it finished a draw so we are going into the final 2 league games with a 1 point buffer, and they don't come much bigger than Warrington and Wigan.

We started this week with a full day training on Monday, it was good to finally get the challenge cup out of the way, and something else to look forward to. Knowing that Warrington needed to win as much as we did was good for us, no way we would under prepare for this one. Tuesday was our day off, so a lot of R&R was on the cards for all the boys, then back in Wednesday for another full day.

We got the news that Longy would be missing, so Wednesday was our first run through with Wilko at 7 and it turned out a very good session. You could tell with the talk and the sharpness that all the boys just wanted to get on the field and give it a good go. Thursday was on us all ready and this was just a quick smooth over our game plan, all in all a very well prepared week for us, its always good going into games feeling like you couldn't have done any more on the training park.

As for the game I thought defensively we were great, very strong and aggressive, little scrappy in attack but we will take a good hard fought victory any day.

My MOM?  I think jammer has been massive for the past couple of months, but tonight it goes to Cloughy. He is getting better and better every week good on him. Finally Leeds lost so we are officially minor premiers, that's 2 down and 1 to go for this years goals, hope to see a lot of you at the JJB to knock the pies out the top 6.

Best wishes

Keiron

18/08/07

Hello again,
Finally my computer back up and running.

Its been a weird few weeks after the semi final. We had Wembley in the back of our minds but still had to pick up league points. We played hull at home with more or less a full squad and it was very scrappy, we defended well but our attack was not at its best. We got the 2 points and that's what we wanted.

So onto Catalans away. Not much can be said about that. We were disgraceful and mentally weak. I would like to apologise to the fans who travelled over there for our performance. I just hope the sunshine and fine French hospitality made up for a dismal game. Trust me, next time we play them it will be very different.

Finally, Salford away. We always thought this was going to be a tough encounter, they have allot ridding on there final games, plus we had a few senior players missing making the task a little harder, but we got the job done and that's all that counts.

My MOM for the Salford game goes to James Graham, he has been massive for us in the past 3 weeks. We seem to have come through the game unscathed and I am expecting I very intense week at training. It seems we have been waiting for this game for a few weeks, its hard to describe but it is all you think about from morning to night no matter who you are playing that particular week.

Well that's all from me this week and make sure your all in good voice at the best stadium in the world .
 

Regards
 

Keiron

Harlequins 6-44 St Helens

Well hello again to all you readers, especially the ones who got in touch, why not drop me a mail and I will do my best to get back to you ASAP.

Now back to business. Obviously we where still stinging from the Leeds game, you could see it in everyone's eyes. They just wanted to get on the field and put things right. It was a must win game plus we owed these bunch, from the loss at Knowsley Road earlier in the season.

Training went well. At the beginning of the week we tried some different stuff and it took a few of the guys a while to pick it up. But we got there in the end. By the last couple of days things began to flow well, and we were very confident about getting the 2 points.

We thought the heat would play a factor and it did. I don't know why but its always hotter down there. The first half they came out with a lot of venom in their defence making life tough for us. But we had done our home work on them, and statistically we knew they would fade in the second half, meaning we could over power them . With the aid of the sun that's what happened. We played some very good rugby at times and were guilty of pushing the plays. A good result all round and to keep them at 6 a good defensive effort was needed.

So as for my MoM. I thought Gids was good but have to go for Willie T, great all round game for an old man ha ha ha.

Thanks for reading and see you all in Gods country next weekend.
cymru ar byth

Keiron

Leeds 'v' Saints

Welcome Back 14 April 2007

Firstly I would like to say a big hello and a big thanks to all the fans for your support up to date.

This season was a tough one to go into, with the weight of expectation bearing down on us, so we started slow for our standards but the Brisbane game gave us the boost we needed. From then on in we have played some very good rugby and seem to be getting better with every game.

After the hull game we set ourselves a little goal to win the next 5 games. We thought the Easter period would really shake up the table, and that it did. So coming away with 8 league points and being in the bag for the next round of the cup, was mission complete for us.

So now its time for feet up for a couple of days to get over these games, and back on the horse for Leeds away.

Its tough to give M.O.M for all of the games, so just want to give some honourable mentions. Firstly to all the young kids (Robes, Jammer, Cloughy, Tyrer, Moor) they have all stood up and performed for us. Maurie has been an animal all season and Gids has really found his feet after all the comparisons people have made. Wello has played great, and the front row have done a great job taking us forward.  that's enough from me and hope to see as many of you as possible at Leeds.
 

Thanks for reading
 

Keiron
 

Saints 'v' Hull

Hi to everyone,
 

Not done a report for a couple of weeks so nice to speak to you again.

We finished the regular season on a real high with victory's over Leeds and Warrington. Then we had the next weekend off, so we were dreading that week knowing a lot of pain would be coming our way from Apollo. The week leading up to the Hull game was very nerve wracking, and we were anxious in training just wanting to play. The game couldn't come quick enough.

As for the game itself I thought it was typical rugby. Both sides trying to grind a win out. Hull really threw everything at us all game and our defence held strong. On the other hand I thought our attack left a lot to be desired at times. We just wasn't our fluent selves. But we have 2 weeks to work on that, but saying all that we won. We are through to my 4th grand final and the butterflies have started already. We have got a tough couple of weeks ahead of us at training but the final goal is worth it. So all eyes on next weeks final eliminator I think if Hull play like they did against us we will meet them again in the final, but you never know.

So for my m.o.m for the Hull game is split this week between the rubber ball James Robey and Jason Cayles they were both inspirational all game. Well that's me for this week and a big thanks for getting behind us at the game you were great see you all at old Trafford.
 

Regards,

Keiron

Saints 'v' Wakefield

Hi to all the readers,
 

2 cups in 7 days is not bad going if you ask me.

We were expecting a tough battle from Wakefield. They are fighting for there Super League lives and a few of our boys were a little rusty from the weekends celebrations. But we hung in there and got the job done and that should secure us top spot.

We've achieved 2 of our 3 goals that we set ourselves at the start of the year. My m.o.m for the game goes to big Paul Anderson, I thought he took us forward well and defending great as well. Another big game for us this week. We really have to set our stall out now and show sides that we mean business. So show your support and get behind us for the game against the Rhinos, it should be a cracker.

Regards

Keiron

P.S. Here are pictures of our last litter of puppies. If anybody is looking for one there is 1 boy left.

CHALLENGE CUP FINAL

Hi to all the fans,

 
Hope you have all sobered up and are feeling as good as i am.

It has been a great week leading up to the game, training was very intense. Wilko split my ear open in training, so as you can guess everyone just wanted to get out on the field and play. We set out on Thursday, it took us for ever to get to the hotel, but when we got there it was a nice place. Later that night we had dinner together, then the legend Tom Van Vol presented us with our kits for the game, what an honour it was to speak to a man of his stature in our great game.

Friday morning up bright and early and on the bus to Bisham Abbey, the F.A training ground. The pitches were brilliant and the facilities were amazing. Training went like a breeze it was 100 mile an hour and very crisp, you could tell we were ready. Then it was back to hotel for lunch. After lunch it was back on the bus for a trip to see Twickers. They were still laying the turf at the Huddersfield end on Friday afternoon. Friday night I shared a room with Longy, we always stay together when we go away we know each others routines and habits so it makes life easy.

Up early Saturday had breakfast came back for a sleep then got suited and booted for the game. The game didn't start how we had planned, we was under the pump for the first 30 but we knew if we rode the storm we could kill them of in the second half and that's what we did.

So another winners medal for my mum to put away for me and a big smile all week. My m.o.m? Thought the team played well as a unit we all defended well but it is shared between Longy and Wilko. Both were outstanding, plus Wilkos nose looks like a banana which is very funny (his modelling career went with a smash from baloos head). So that's all from me hope to see you all down at Knowsley Road on Friday and hopefully we can secure first place.
 

Regards
Keiron
 

Cas 'v' Saints

Sunday 13th Aug

Hello to all the readers.
I am feeling very content at this moment in time, we have more or less secured first place in the league, we have made a challenge cup final, and yes believe it or not the conservatory is done. It was worth the wait it is awesome. A big thank you to Excell and all the fitters and builders who were all very considerate and obliging the whole time because of all our dogs. They have done a first class job, me and the wife are over the moon with the final result. There will be some updated pictures coming soon to the web site.

Well back to rugby. The last couple of weeks have been very bountiful for us, our defence has been outstanding and our attack at times has been the best we have played all year. To beat cas at cas 76 to 4 just shows how ruthless we have become over the last few weeks, and this is with the thought of challenge cup in the back of our minds. Needless to say there will be a few boys not going to Catalans just to make sure we have the strongest team possible for the final. So, my m.o.m for cas game goes to Jamie Lyon very creative all game and very good in defence, big loss for us when he goes but life goes on. The next time I will see you all will be at the final, hope you are all in good voice and fingers crossed we will do the job on the field for you.
 

Thanks for reading
Keiron

Saints 'v' Hull K.R

Challenge Cup Semi Final

Hi to all you very happy Saints fans .

I haven’t stopped smiling yet, it was a massive win for us and the fans so, thanks for your support.

It was a very intense week at training. We were dealing with the unknown, with Hull K.R being in a different division to us. We just see that they are flying high and they turned Warrington over in the last round. The win at Leeds gave us a real kick start in defence. We had been a little loose in previous weeks. We had the belief and hunger to defend again, and for me that’s what won us the semi final.

We were awesome in defence until the 80th minute, and our attack was fluent for most of the game. So another challenge cup final beckons, and still the same excitement as the first one. I just hope we stay injury free and continue the form we are in.

Well its m.o.m time. Tough one again, think everybody put there body on the line. It was good to get Longy back takes a little pressure of me when he plays. Wilko was outstanding again, and Mo was like a caged animal let loose. But I have to go with the BBC and say Willie T. He was great all day, made some big tackles and good breaks. Plus he scored a couple of tries and nearly had another fight ha ha ha.

So once again thanks from me and the team for your support. We have some big games coming up so get behind us and sing your hearts out.

Regards

Keiron

P.S conservatory more or less finished check website for pictures

 

My old conny.

My new conny.

It's going to be A1.

 Leeds 'v' Saints

Hi to all you readers.

Well what a week we have had, Leeds losing at CAS gave us a 4 point buffer so a win away at Leeds would take us back out to 6 points. Training was great all week. It was good to get some troops back on board. Willie and Frannie really tighten up our left side in defence, Longy was touch and go. I think the game just came too soon for him fingers crossed for next week.

We worked hard all week on our defence (we have leaked to many points over the past few weeks). We know that you cant afford to do that against Leeds they are too good with ball in hand. Then game day comes around and we are all feeling very confident. We know we need to get back to staying in an arm wrestle with teams, then kicking on to win the game, and Leeds was the perfect game for that. We had a simple game plan and stuck to it well. I thought all across the field the desire and commitment from every player was outstanding. In the end we felt if we stayed at what we were doing well we could get the game, and that's what we did.

Very proud moment for me as stand in captain to get a win at Leeds (not done that for a while). So down to m.o.m. Hard to call. Thought a number of players stood out but got to go with Lee Gilmour. He had a great all round game, its always good to have Gilly running a good line outside you. Not many can stop him.

Lets keep our fingers crossed for Jason Cayless and Jamie Lyon on Tuesday, I hope they see common sense on the committee.
Well that's me for another week, get behind us for the semi, hopefully we can replicate what we did against Leeds and give you all a good spectacle.
 

Regards
Keiron

Saints 'v' Catalans

7th July 2006

Hello to all the readers.

This week was a bit of a winding down week for us. We had some tired bodies after a tough 8 days, plus we have picked up a few knocks so were getting light on troops. But by the end of the week everyone had freshened up and we was ready to go.

Catalans are a funny side to play against. They just don't know when to throw the towel in. I thought we played very well for around 60 minutes, then just took the foot of the accelerator a little. This let them get some points on board, but its job done another 2 points and great a attacking spectacle.

Just like to congratulate Ste Tyrer for his first game (one of many the way he is playing at the moment). Good to see the saints youth system spitting out good kids again. Also congrats to Hoops on his 100th appearance for the club. He's having a great season, I'm made up we've got him for a couple more years.

Now its m.o.m. time for the game. Tough one this week thought Vinnie was great again and what about that hit ouch! But got to go with the big Samoan Mo. He took us forward well all night, its good to see him hitting form for us again. Well that's me for this week see you all on Friday at Knowlsley Rd.
 

Regards
Keiron
p. s keep checking the web site for up to date pictures on conservatory, or to ask me any questions.

Wakefield 'v' Saints

36 - 52

Sunday July 2nd

Hi to all you Saints mad readers. Well what a game to report on, bet we had you sweating more than the Sun.

It was a great all round team performance. We had allot of players who were backing up from Tuesday night, and it was hotter than hell its self out there. So we were just glad to get the 2 points.

Wakefield are a very good attacking side but poor in defence in certain areas of the field. I thought we exploited this well. It was good to see Robes back to the form he had shown earlier in the season, and Gilly still thinks he's playing the game now ha ha ha (think that's number 3 T.K.O for the season so don't worry the boys will be giving him some stick).

But once again thanks for your great support, and if you thought it was warm watching the game times that by 100 then that's what we were feeling.

My m.o.m. goes to John Wilkin he was awesome in attack and defence, plus he played for the full 80 so good on him. Once again thanks for reading, another big game for us this week at Knowsley Road so get down and scream your heads off for us just hope its a little cooler.
 

Regards
Keiron
 

p. s congrats to Hoops on his 100th saints appearance, and keep checking the web site for up to date pictures on the conservatory

Wigan 'v' Saints

Friday May 26th

Hello again to you all. Wow that's all I can say. Thanks for your support at the weekend, I thought you really gave us the edge. Thought we were again outstanding in attack and defence. They threw everything apart from the kitchen sink at us in the first half and we soaked it all up.

So a big pat on the back to all the boys they were awesome, and what about Vinnies hit? I know he's been working hard at hitting hard and driving it home with Daniel and Wilso. So just goes to show practice makes perfect. Keep up the good work Vinnie.

The week leading up to the game was very intense, as would be expected for a derby day. It doesn't matter about table position on these days, they are always going to be a war and our troops wanted it the most and really toughed it out in the middle of the field. I think our attack has gained allot of momentum over the last couple of weeks so our defence is not under the pump as much as it was which makes the body feel allot fresher.

My M.O.M for this week..... its a tough one really thought Maurie was very impressive and Longy is back to playing some of the best rugby of his career. But it goes to Willie. He was great in attack and defence. He says he's been working on the "in and away" with his sons in the back yard.... seems to be paying off in the last couple of weeks for him.

So thanks for reading and I will see you all at Knowsley Rd for the cup clash this week another tough one for us but I think we are ready for it.
Best wishes Keiron.
Come on you saints!

SATURDAY MAY 21st
SAINTS 'V' BULLS

Hi everyone. Thank god we played how we should always play. We know as a team we can beat anyone on our day. We just had to make sure that last Saturday was 'our day'. knowing you don't get 2 cracks at this competition inspired us even more.
The week in training was good. Plenty of energy was shown from all of the boys. This match was a very good indicator of how we want to play. We had a couple of boys wrapped in cotton wool all week (they were 50/50 to make it), but thankfully they came through. They stood up great for us (one even got man of the match).
Once again our defence was immense. I know I keep beating this drum every week but we work hard on it and have a lot of pride in it so why shouldn't I plus I love bashing people on the field. It was an all over great team performance, forwards were great the backs were very clinical. The kicking game was almost perfect.
Its hard to pick M.O.M. I thought Frannie and Longy were great and but Jason Cayless was a tower of strength for us all game so he gets my vote.
So anyway, we are in the bag and that was our aim. Fingers crossed for a good draw. Its on again this week, derby day at the JJB so get behind us and out sing the Gooners in there own backyard (come on you saints).

PS don't forget to check website for update on my little baby ready to give berth, and finally it looks like the planning has got cleared for the conservatory so you can keep up to date with that (it was quicker to build the Great Wall of China but that's the law for you). 

FRIDAY 12th MAY

SAINTS 'V' WIRES

Hello to everyone. I am pleased to say we are back on track, this game was always going to be a tough one (it always is), but the amount of injuries we had in the build up was almost comical.

We got there in the end. I could see a few of you chewing your nails in the second half when the rain started coming down. Then Adie put it to bed (even though their prop forward was catching him).

Leeds loosing did help, it  gives us our 6 point buffer back, a little bit of breathing space. Now the big focus is The Challenge Cup. Bradford at home. We will be jumping out of our skin all week in training, fighting for starting line up. Should be a cracker. We all had a sweep in training during the week on who would get sky M.O.M.... either Briers or Lyon. The money was on ha, ha. Then damn Gilly goes and spoils it, good on him he played great.

My M.O.M for the game was Jason Cayless thought he was immense in attack and defence considering he had just got of a plane, what a great player. And another fantastic win for the mighty reds. Look on the website for my day out with my son Jonah at the Millennium stadium on Saturday thanks for reading and see you at a full house against the Bulls on Saturday
Regards
Keiron
 

PS  29th of May my dog is due. Not long now just had the puppy room completed keep checking website for all updated pictures
 

Jonah & Me at Cardiff for the F.A. Cup Final

Ready and waiting.