We had heard that there had been open heart surgery at the club as players and coaches openly discussed where the club was going.

Would it prove to be our salvation or the nail in an ever growing coffin. Could the players respond? the answer for all to see was in the way they strode onto the field. They looked determined to give it their best shot and not let themselves and the club down

Today were two team from different ends of the spectrum pitted against each other in a must win game for both. One fighting to regain their undoubted skill and pride, the other determined to fight for their survival. It was Pride Vs Survival. It was the established Vs the newcomers.

Ultimately it was down to a much used phrase, "who wants it the most". However on this cold day in November, it was absolutely the truth.

Grayson got the game underway amidst cheers of Warriors ring around the stadium, once again our hosts knew we were here and we were going to be loud and passionate.

There is now doubt that Franklins Gardens is a great rugby venue as both sets of supporters rocked the stands with their cheers and chants for the hero's

Now was the test, had we re-discovered our loose play ability, the hunger that had been missing for 3 games. The answer is..... ask Northampton.

In came the Warriors pack at 900 miles an hour and in full control. Not just a frenzy, it was marvellously controlled aggression. Phil Richards loves the word Physicality, he likes his players to be physical in the extreme. Phil, you must have been proud of everyone of them as they disposed of the Saints backrow as if swatting flies away from the jam pot and we had the jam!!

The ball was recycled to Hayes, as Brown was still out recovering from a neck injury, he hit a high testing ball straight to Grayson who under enormous pressure knocked on.

Northampton conceded their first penalty at the first scrum.

As calm as you like Tommy takes a drink and strokes a 45 meter conversion straight between the posts

Time for Mr Rose to step in and have a word with the two captains, "calm it down boys, it is a big game don't ruin it"!!

Saints 3 : 3 Warriors

Now it was time for the warriors to start taking control of the forwards in the set piece as well as total domination of the loose play. the lineout was into its stride from the very first throw with Daly finding Gillies with unerring accuracy. It also proved simple to steal the opposition ball on their throw.

It was not all Worcester though, Saints needed this win as much as their visitors. They were fronting up with some great tackling and were also creating small holes in the Warriors defence. the difference was the ability of Worcester to plug those holes fast before any damage was caused

It seemed every single time Northampton had an opportunity, they fluffed it, through lack of composure. they seemed to dilly-dally in their decision making forcing the final decision to be hurried and invariable take the wrong option.

Sanderson, Hickey and Gabey were first to every loose ball, they were first up in support taking the ball on and forcing more ground. The intensity from the Warriors was causing the Northampton loose forward real problems as they now started to concede several penalties. As soon as The Warriors were within conversion distance up stepped that man Tommy Hayes to slot the ball home

Northampton 3 : 6 Warriors

We had come to Franklins Gardens full of turmoil and worries. were we going to see the rebirth of our team of Warriors. As each second of the game passed those worries just melted away, evaporating into the grey Northampton skies. Every breakdown we saw those committed Warriors surge into action, hitting the breakdown with power and control. The way the ball was being cleared out was once again a joy to behold.

We were back, and back in style!!

The big men from Northampton were being placed on the backsides again and again, no grace and favour here, this was a determination born out of  belief. Believe me you are good enough and now another club knows it as well

The pressure was now telling, gaps were starting to appear. Mat Powell in tandem with Drew and Tommy Hayes, was now running the show. ball retention was magnificent as the Warriors support cheered them on and on and on!!

Half the crow were stunned into silence.

Saints 3 : 11 Warriors

Now the full power of the travelling support was unleashed. they will never forget us at Franklins Gardens!!

Northampton are a class side in a temporary trough.

from the restart they attacked the warriors with everything they had. the forwards first tried to break through, the defence held! the backs were then brought in at speed, the defence held!

It was an offensive defence as the Saints were forced into mistake after mistake whilst on the attack. they were in possession but going backwards. the confidence in the Warriors faces was evident, they knew they could do this, they knew they could win

Half  Time: Saints 3 : 11 warriors