I thought that the performance against the Pirates was one of our best of the season. Although we didn’t get the fourth try I felt we deserved we dominated a side who had been one of our biggest rivals at the start of the season. Aside from the interception they didn’t really look like scoring while we scored three good tries.

Then last week in heavy conditions and a very strong wind it was never going to be easy at Billesley Common, especially when Moseley tucked the ball up their jumper at the start of the second half. Although they were leading at half-time and playing against the wind I felt that by picking and driving continually they were playing into our hands.

I was very pleased in those minutes that even though Moseley went through the best part of 20 phases they went back five metres. Our tackling was strong and aggressive and was the foundation of the eventual win.

Strong defence has been one of the hallmarks of our season as one side after another has thrown everything at us. Today’s visitors, Bedford, were one such team and in the second half at Goldington Road back in September we were really under the cosh.

Then we held them out for most of the half despite there being plenty of pressure on our try line. It is during those kinds of situation where you find out more about your team and we took a lot of confidence out of that game.

Today local rivalry is again at stake which always adds that little bit extra to the game. Expect a tough game.

That should be said for the next two weeks as well. Next weekend we are back in Cornwall to play the Pirates in the EDF Energy National Trophy. For all of us the change in competition will help give us a fresh start. Mind you, that goes for the Pirates as well! They are the defending holders and won’t give up their crown easily. Then the following week we are back in NL1 action in Plymouth. A lot of miles, you’ll agree!

But we cannot get ahead of ourselves. As with every game this season we are taking each week as it comes. I’m a firm believer that if you begin to look too far ahead of yourself you forget that there is a job to be done right there. This is where potential slip ups can happen.

We are only six points clear at the top of the league and cannot let that happen. So while we know that we have two long trips ahead of us our attention is focussed on Bedford. They have a number of ex-Saints who will no doubt relish another game in front of a packed Franklin’s Gardens.

We set an attendance record here before Christmas and are doing so again today. Thank you for your support.

Enjoy the game.