The Northants 2nd Team went down 2-3 to Saints 2s on wednesday evening - however the shocker has nothing to with the result, but seeing Martin Thompson had actually sorted out a haircut !!

Playing out of order, Martin beat Nick Andell in straight games at 1.

Meanwhile Andy Fraser at 4 was involved in a close 1-3 defeat to Dave Perrin. Andy looked in full control, winning the first game 9-6 with exquisite touch, however shooting pains in his foot at the end of the first game meant that he was unable to play as he would have liked in the following games, valiantly managing to take the next two games to SET 2 points.

The Captain, playing his first game since the end of October then lost in straight games at 5 to Lee Morris, being short of match practice.

Ian Shirley at 3 struggled to find his usual consistency and after raising hopes of a comeback by converting game 3, lost the rubber by 1-3 to Saint's captain Peter Taylor.

Tim Arthur, having been moved up the rankings, played at two. Tim showed plenty of respect for this opponent in giving Alan Stacey plenty of practice at retrieving his drives - however Tim also wins the "Earl Harrison - Getting his value from the Match Fee" award for declining to kill off the game as quickly as he might - despite this, he achieved a fine straight games win.

So that's it for the first half of the season - we lie 2nd, 2 points behind Kettering Rugby 4, so all in all a good base for the second half to push on from.

Thanks to all the players who've turned out for the 2nds in the first half and thanks to my vice captain Ian Shirley for taking up the reigns when required.

Also a massive thanks to Sandy for the fabulous food.

Happy Christmas to all - next game is home v Daventry 4 on January 12th in the Knockout.