StoneX Stadium

Saracens 30-26 Edinburgh

11th December 2022

Edinburgh fell just short of what would have been a pretty impressive win over a Saracens side sitting atop the Gallagher Premiership with a perfect Played 9 Won 9 record.

The English team outscored their visitors by four tries to two, and Edinburgh, at times, had to rely very much on Emiliano Boffelli's success with the boot to remain in touch.  The Argentinian scored 16 of his side's 26 points.

But I did find myself wondering how Edinburgh would have fared had their line-out not been so dysfunctional.  On three separate occasions Stuart McInally was penalised for not throwing in straight.  Towards the end of the match there was another farcical line-out where all the Edinburgh players ran towards the thrower and appeared to bash into each other, whilst McInally threw the ball over everyone into the arms of a bemused but nevertheless grateful Eroni Mawi.  That particular shambles eventually led to Saracen scoring their bonus point fourth try.  

Earlier Edinburgh had also contrived to mess up an interception breakaway when Damian Hoyland stepped inside three times instead of passing, each time allowing the frantically scrambling Saracens' defence vital seconds to get back.  Edinburgh eventually sent the ball across to the far side, where James Lang was held up just as he crossed the line.  (Attempting) to put on an impartial hat, I would acknowledge this was fine defence by the home lads, but I think most folks would suggest Edinburgh ballsed this breakaway up big style.

As they did with their last-ditch post-bong final play; a panicked forward pass closing the game out.  Very much one which got away for Edinburgh.

After frantically trying to find a parking space around the ground, I was
pointed in the direction of Hendon RFC, who open their car park on Saracens' match days.
From there it was a brief walk across some football pitches to the StoneX Stadium.

The StoneX Stadium - Saracens RFC.
To the left of this pic is the East Stand

The East Stand  

The Beerbus !!

The West (or 1876) Stand - opened just a few months ago.

StoneX (should anyone be interested) is a financial services group headquartered in New York.

Saracens v Edinburgh (December 2022)

I think this is Will Farrell having been popped onto his back.

One of Edinburgh's rare successful line-outs.

Luan de Bruin bundles over for Edinburgh's opening try after five minutes.

Remnants of the old pre-redevelopment terracing lie behind the North Stand

I assume the first few rows of the East Stand can be wheeled away to allow the ground
to house athletics.

Under the East Stand.

Alex Lewington scoring Saracens' third try.

Edinburgh's Viliame Mata

The StoneX Stadium - Saracens RFC.