The weekend trip to Newcastle was fabulous against a traumatic background. Depending on others’ results, if we had lost we could have been bottom but one, a victory could see us as high as 6th place in the Premiership. When the chips were down, the players delivered a great victory, won in style and with five points and a bonus point. We are the form side at the moment. Out of 10 games played in the league and Europe since January 1, we have won 8, drawn one and lost one. I am sure we can keep it up. We still have two doors open through which we can qualify for next year’s Heineken Cup. The European Challenge Cup and the Premiership, where a finish in the top six could be good enough. Let us get behind the boys and shout them home. 

Today’s visitors, Worcester, also have the same ideas as us and I expect will be giving all to win today’s game. A big welcome to them and all their supporters. Recent games between us have been close and I expect today will be no different.

The game today starts the beginning of what could be an exciting month with two further home games, next week against Bath and on Good Friday evening against Leicester. The following Saturday will see the winners of today’s game meet the winners of the Gloucester v Brive match in the European semi-finals. Finally, we complete the month with an away fixture against Bristol. A feast of rugby by anyone’s standards.   

All of these games at home are already, or almost, sell-outs so don’t forget to get a season ticket for next year so you are here for all the excitement.

I am somewhat disappointed that the RFU have not taken up the clubs’ offer for extra release days for England players. Although most clubs don’t believe Andy Robinson needs extra trainings days; in fact, the less he has them the better they seem to play. It is an excuse they seem to hide behind. So the clubs are prepared to release the players on block for the Six Nations and have agreed to two extra international games being played. In return, we want compensation. Not an unreasonable request. Apparently the RFU, who incidentally, have £45m in the bank seem unable to accommodate this point of view. The miners were once described as Lions led by Donkeys. The same applies to English international rugby players methinks. Thankfully, all the excitement seems to be with club rugby for the next month or two.

Many of you have asked me when the car parks will finally be finished. I do apologise for this. English Partnerships and the contractor are dreadfully slow, but I have been promised for the umpteenth time, admittedly, that everything will be finally completed well before the new season.

Paul and Budge are continuing discussions with several players and a coach to strengthen up the team for next year. These talks are always protracted and at this time of the year are affected by who actually gets relegated. We will keep you fully in the picture as soon as we can. Keep smiling and keep shouting – every decibel is vital.