A few weeks ago, in the midst of an injury crisis, while simultaneously having a fixture run against some of the best the league has to offer, some of the glass half empty brigade were looking a little scared and showing signs that they may be looking for new underwear as we approach the festive season.

However, a good win last time out, at Amersham and Chiltern saw us leapfrog them in the league and allow the glass half full supporters to add some crampons to their Christmas list.

Tomorrow's opponents, our friends from Old Northamptonians, may be struggling a bit and sitting winless at the base of the table, but write them off at your peril. Whilst they are still looking for their first win, the table shows them gaining 8 bonus points from 7 games indicating they're often in with a shout in these games, don't give up and will be hungry for a win.

There are a few changes to the side this week as we welcome returnees and new signings. Sonny Swift makes a welcome return after many months out to bring more stability to the second row. Good to have you back Sonny.

Also making very welcome return is Joe Stockwell. Many of you will remember Joe from his previous stint at Hertford When he proved himself to be a very useful team member with the ability to play flanker, scrum half, centre or wing. A great utility player who is very welcome. He left us for work reasons and to do some missionary work on the southern borders of Hertfordshire. It’s great to see him back and I can categorically quash the rumour that he was only allowed back if he brought his coffee machine with him!

Now on to the antipodean connections. Sonny will be joined in the 2nd row tomorrow by Louie Hudson, an Aussie second row all the way from Barnes! If he can settle in as well on the field as he has off of it we'll be in for a treat.

The last new signing, Braden Karangaroa, came to us all the way from Perth, Australia, at the beginning of this week although by birth he's a Kiwi. Whilst we have a number of very good back row players, I think it's fair to say that nobody has made the number 8 shirt their own. Brayden's combative style and physicality in both offence and defense could fit well into that shirt.

Player recruitment isn't something that just happens. A lot of hard work goes into it. It must be said that, over the last few weeks coach Marcus has gone way above and beyond what could rightly be expected of him in a part time roll. Whatever the outcome of tomorrow's game, his efforts deserve recognition. Make sure his back is sore from being patted, and his hand is raw from being shaken.

Thank you Marcus, your hard work, and that of others, really is appreciated.

Let the Pernod flow!

See you there, mine’s a Guinness