POWERGEN CUP SET TO LIGHT UP DECEMBER
Rugby fans are in for a feast of rugby in early December when the Powergen Cup semi-finalists are decided. The second weekend of the new Powergen Cup proved another popular one with supporters as over 56,000 voted with their feet and attended games, an even bigger crowd figure than for the first weekend. And with the Pool matches reaching a climax in Round 3 on the weekend of December 2nd to 4th, there’s plenty to play for in the new cross-border competition.
Terry Burwell, Powergen Cup Tournament Director, said: “Yet again, we’ve had another fantastic weekend of cup rugby which has seen some thrilling matches. Ten of the 16 clubs have a chance to win through to the next knock-out stage of the competition.
“The first weekend of December promises to be a great occasion with the prize of a first ever semi-final place at the Millennium Stadium to play for. The weekend’s attendances have shown that there is a real appetite for the new Powergen Cup and I’m sure it’ll be no different for Round 3.”
Viewing for Sunday’s BBC2 televised clash between Scarlets and Newcastle Falcons peaked at 1.3million people and Premier Rugby Commercial Director Jon Varney said: “Despite the Powergen Cup not being included in many clubs’ season ticket packages, over 50,000 people attended matches in the first round, and this grew to over 56,000 in the second round.
“The clubs are putting out strong teams resulting in an exciting competition that is proving attractive to rugby supporters in both countries and we’re very pleased with the crowd attendances so far.”
Pick of the ties in Pool A is a winner-takes-all clash between Bath and Gloucester at the Recreation Ground after their victories over Ospreys and Bristol respectively. Bath’s hero was again Andy Williams, following his quarter-final clincher against Gloucester last season – who returned to the Ospreys and crossed for the winning try.
The scrum-half dived over in the 64th minute as John Connolly’s side won 27-20 in Swansea and for Williams it was especially sweet given that he had left the Ospreys last term after failing to command a first-team place.
“It was tremendous to come back here and get a score,” he said “The try was the icing on the cake, something that gave me special satisfaction. I had a really enjoyable time at the Ospreys, but I’m a Bath player now and it was great to get the win.”
In Pool B, London Wasps are four points clear of Saracens and the Blues who are still in the mix to qualify, while it’s even tighter in Pool C, where the Scarlets, Newcastle Falcons and Sale Sharks could still go through. Northampton top Pool D but face a Midlands derby at Welford Road, with the Tigers the only team who can catch the Saints following their 42 -16 win over Worcester Warriors.
Tigers coach Pat Howard said: “I enjoyed it more than Friday night in Newport! Obviously we expect to play better at home and it was nice to score some tries, too. We’ll take that – 40 points in the wet is okay, but at the same stage we did take some time to get into our stride.”
Scarlets Chief Executive Stuart Gallacher said, “This tournament is important to us, we have gone into it determined to make our mark and we are pleased with the position we are in.
“Two wins out of two is always a good especially against English opposition and we are looking forward to another great occasion at home to Sale. The Sharks are a quality side, studded with England and Lions players but we are hopeful we can seal a place in the semi-finals at the Millennium Stadium.
“It would be great to have Welsh representation at the semi-final stage – and hopefully there will be more than one Welsh team there – but first we are looking forward to another good gate and great atmosphere at home to Sale.”
