IT WAS 453 days since our last Premiership win and even harder to believe it was 819 days since our last league away win.
These statistics are now redundant thanks to Josh Drauniniu’s 71st minute try and even more so thanks to Andy Symons’ barnstorming break through Newcastle Falcons’ back line.
Up until this momentous move it seemed like business as usual – red zone fever, missed penalties and handling errors aplenty. But maybe this match-winning moment could be the difference between top flight rugby and Championship play-off nightmares.
Even with this long-awaited victory, though, we are far from safe. We are still nine points behind Newcastle with only four games remaining and these games are going to be a tough challenge even without the prospect of mathematical relegation looming at the end of each 80 minutes.
Our next game is at home to Exeter Chiefs – a side we are yet to beat in top flight rugby.
Based on recent performances I think the likes of Symons have made Dean Ryan’s selection decisions a bit easier and for me starting with the talented centre and with the passion and performances coming from senior players such as Chris Pennell, James Percival and captain Jonathan Thomas, we still have a fighting chance.
Although I fear it could all come down to our final fixture of the season, at home, to local rivals and under-performers Gloucester.
By Phill Mason