Before I start this preview let me explain that I am  a Saints fan of 42 years but also a Lanson fan (they are my local club).

First let me put my Saints hat on for a one line preview.

Saints roll into Polson Bridge, score lots of tries and march ever onward back to the Premiership.

Now with my Lanson hat on.

Saints roll into Polson Bridge, score lots of tries and march ever onward back to the Premiership.

What? You want more?

Let's start with Lanson. After the massive achievement of promotion to D1 it was always going to be tough surviving at this level and so it has proved. I felt, at the beginning of the season, that the CAB's squad was good enough to finish 10th to 12th. That was before I saw some of the monster packs they would have to face. Sadly, it has become all to clear that Lanson's forwards, despite being talented and very brave, are being seriously out muscled up front. What makes this even more tragic is that in my opinion (I am not alone either) the CAB's backline is probably the best outside Franklins Gardens. Three matches in particular suggest some truth in this, Pirates, Exeter and Notts. In those three games, Lanson were royally stuffed up front yet nearly contrived to win those three games due to superb midfield defence and some scintillating attack. All three teams went home breathing a sigh of relief. If the Saints want to test their defence then CAB's have the potential to do it, with as little as 20% possession.

OK you can stop laughing now. Remember last season in the Prem? Had the Saints had a kicker of Everitt's quality they might not have been playing in D1. Same could be said of CAB's this season. A good kicker alone could have produced another 3 or 4 wins. Still, facts are facts and CAB's are sitting bottom of the table and although this was written before the weekends result against Bedford, I think that will be the case when Saints pitch up at Polson Bridge.

One or two players to watch out for, assuming we get any ball at all, are Matt Jess (A flyer), Steve Perry (a rock in midfield), Ryan Westren (looks are deceptive) and Andy Birkett at Full Back. In the forwards, Tinus du Plessis at No8, Steve Pape at 4 (more like a flanker and relentless) and the evergreen Wayne Reed at prop (oh for a couple more like him).

As for the Saints, what more can be said. The reality has dawned on most of D1 that there is only one winner this season and despite a few protestations from the chip on shoulder brigade, Saints should go on to record a 100% record along with most points/tries ever scored. They have beaten most of their serious rivals away from home with only Plymouth away likely to cause any problems. Only complacency or a serious clutch of injuries could stop the Club at the moment. Clarke is playing himself into form, Ashton looks the real deal, Sharkey is as belligerent as ever, Los is Los, Bruce is Bruce and the forwards are doing the business despite the critisism thrown their way. Academy players are starting to get game time and the Wandies are out on their own in the A League. From down here in Cornwall it all looks rather rosy to me. So much so, I think Mallinder could afford to give Lanson a break on Saturday and give the Academy a run out. No? Oh go on. Please.

Seriously though, I know everyone down here is looking forward to seeing the class of the Saints play at Polson Bridge and this is quite rightly being billed as the biggest game ever at Polson Bridge. For me it is a dream come true. Something I never thought I would be lucky enough to see and there are going to be more than a few kids (some very big ones) waiting to get autographs after the match.

Right, enough of the Rugby. Since my season preview things have changed a bit at Polson. The terrace is in place including a bar. Food outlets all around the ground should see you well fed and the beer has changed from Sharpe's to Skinners so those that fell in love with Betty at the Pirates should be happy. The hospitality building is all but complete and has been booked by the Crooked Hookers after the game (Does Adrian know what he has let himself in for I wonder).Post match stuff includes the traditional presentation of awards to both sides followed by a Curry night starting approx 6pm and as much drinking as you can. This is still a traditional Rugby Club and you are going to love it.

For those down for a couple of days, I would like to offer a couple of suggestions. On friday night it is Lanson's late night Christmas shopping. No, don't stop reading now guys. The whole Town opens and there is music, free drinks(in the shops) and a friendly party atmosphere second to none. There are a good range of shops so you might find some good pressies to boot. It really is worth a visit as there is nothing like this in Northampton.

If you are one of the many stopping in Boscastle then I doubt you will be leaving the village. There are two Pubs and a Hotel bar as well as restaurants and I predict that once you hit the Cobweb your evening will dissappear (cider drinkers will know, love and welcome the Addlestons).

Suggestions for Saturday morning are a nice walk along the coast/moors and/or a visit to Lanson Town centre. There are plenty of Pasties available.  I can recommend  Parkers (2 shops) and Barnecutts. There are several cafe's, Deli's and a fantastic Tea Room. For the Ladies, this is the home of Nomads clothing and they have a great shop that always has a sale rack. Try and park in the Race Hill/Southgate Street car Park and take in the stunning views across to Dartmoor (weather permitting) and the old Town built around the Castle.

If any other help/suggestion are required, please PM me and I will do what I can.

Parking could be an issue so please see the thread regarding Park and Ride.

A couple of websites that might be of use

http://www.launceston-town.co.uk

http://www.launceston-2020.co.uk

Know the Ground

And now some directions. Map 1 shows the location and entrance to Launceston College for Park and Ride. Please use this if at all possible.

Click on the map for a larger copy 

Finally, my prediction. I refer you to my opening lines. I can't see any other outcome. I just hope Lanson can hold their heads high afterwards. Mind you, should the unthinkable happen or Lanson actually score a try, look for the bloke in a Saints shirt and Lanson Jacket going nuts. That will be me.

Enjoy the day.