Thanks for all those who have contributed in any way to raise this money for the British Heart Foundation. With the Cobblers being at home and all the roadworks I will have probably got here quicker than most who come by car!

So, England versus South Africa in the World Cup final. Haven’t the lads done well? They can certainly go on and win it. Even if they don’t, to get to a second consecutive World Cup final us a fantastic achievement. Nevertheless victory is everything.

The team’s performance is also a great advertisement for club rugby. The RFU always like to claim that the Guinness Premiership makes our elite players battle weary. The fact is that they are battle hardened. This is also true of two of the other semi-finalists, Argentina and France, where the vast majority of the players from both countries play in the French league.

OK, enough of that! Let’s get on to what really matters – today’s game here at the Gardens. Frankly if you had told me four or five years ago that we would be entertaining Esher today I would have said “who?” Now I know a little more about them mainly because BBC rugby presenter John Inverdale and Franklin’s Gardens favourite Harvey Thorneycroft have played for them in recent years.

They have obviously done really well to get promoted as NL2 champions and are certainly holding their own in this division. Last week against the Cornish Pirates they were only a penalty kick away from getting a losing bonus point. This would have added to the five bonus points they have already won as well as a victory secured earlier this season. So welcome to them and all of their supporters. We hope you enjoy your afternoon here at Northampton.

After today’s game there are bound to be some traffic problems due to the roadworks in Weedon Road and St James’ Way near the station, not to mention the fact that the Cobblers are playing at home. It seems to me you have two choices – leg it off immediately after (not before!) the final whistle goes as our game will probably finish 10 minutes before the Sixfields game; or, better still, stay behind, enjoy the ambience and watch the World Cup final in our bars. It could be a good day and a better evening.

We are beginning to nudge ahead in the league now. Complacency is still our greatest enemy. Every week the team and you, our faithful supporters, need to give one hundred percent. Otherwise we will lose. Don’t believe me? Then think back to the first 20 minutes against Doncaster. Not that we were complacent, rather Doncaster played some very good rugby.

We are only three weeks away from what will be the clash of the titans: our away game to Exeter. This is a must-win game for us as it will be for Exeter. Try and come down and shout the team on. Your support can make the difference.

We can’t take our mind off the job in hand, however, and make your support make a difference today against dogged opposition who came within a penalty or drop-goal of winning at Bedford.

I’m conscious that I’m always asking you for something or other. However this year we need to stick together more than ever. We need to put our arms around each other and every week be part of this great brotherhood that is the Saints.

Every week urge the team on to greater heights. Only then we can claim our place back at the top table of English rugby.

Keep smiling!