We currently have two routes of European qualification open to us. The first is through the league which, thanks to last week, has been kept wide open and due to all the connotations of who can qualify and what position we need to be in, we must stand a really good chance of being in the mix.

The second way in is to be triumphant in the European Challenge Cup which brings us nicely to today’s game. There is no doubt that Worcester will be smarting from their last performance against Saracens in the league and will want to prove a point to themselves and to everyone associated with the Warriors.

Our boys have a chance to improve on last week’s good performance. They have firmly set their sights on qualification back into the Heineken Cup and it is a place where this great club should be. 

A lot of you would have noticed that the grass keeps rolling up on the pitch in the bottom corner near the South Stand. Poor old Piggy has apoplexy every time we have a scrum in that corner. It all comes from the summer where we were increasing the size of the stadium and that very last part of the pitch had to wait until the heavy cranes were moved before it was turfed. So please don’t moan at Piggy; he is very stressed, so much so, he has decided to repair the pitch mid-game time with groundsman Steve risking his life for the sake of the pitch!

Once again many thanks to all the supporters that made their way up to Newcastle at the weekend. Your support was enormous and truly appreciated by all the players. With very few many games left but with a majority of those at home, we have to make this place an advantage. With your support and enthusiasm, you will push the team forward.

Come on you Jimmies. 

PS As some of you may be aware, there is a raffle taking place today with tickets being sold all around the stadium. Snowy (Mark Soden) is off to do a spot of climbing in aid of Show Racism The Red Card. Please give generously, as it is for a worthy cause and does mean he can buy himself a specially made safety helmet for his over-sized head.