So, to borrow a phrase from an illustrious ex-editor, it's 18 out of 18 in our quest for redemption. This Saturday we see the return of one our oldest fixtures and our true derby. Yes the Tigers match stirs a bit of local interest but the Blues of Bedford was always the highlight of the traditional Saints calender. If the edge of a ‘proper' ding-dong derby isn't enough the Blues are chocker full of Saints old boys with more than a point or two to prove. For those of a nervous disposition especially the ones who haven't taken advantage of the finest ‘Smooth' available in Jimmies club, I'd advise watching through your fingers.

This would be the traditional the time to discuss the ups and downs of the season so far. That would be a bit dull in terms of the Saints. We know the story, unbeaten so far and the odd scare registering as mere blips on the league radar. Bedford on the other hand are having a far more ‘interesting' season. They currently sit 6^th in the table having a record of: played 18, won 10, lost 8. The old BP's look pretty healthy too as they currently have 10 of those handy little fellow's. Last week they lost out in a 1 point thriller to 3^rd placed Nottingham and a quick scan down their results shows that many of their matches have been tight affairs, notably the 13-10 win over Plymouth Albion and the losses 19-18 and 14-16 against Cornish Pirates and Doncaster respectively.

A look through the Bedford player's page is like a who's who of ex-Saints and you have to admire the loyal lassie editing their site who declares her admiration for her players with a thumbs up and the statement ‘fit'. I really must seek her out on Saturday. More importantly we may see many an old friend as the ex-saints featuring in Blues last match included the vastly underrated Dan Richmond, club Stalwart JP, Matt Volland, Arthur Brenton, James Pritchard and Ben ‘golden balls' Patston. It would also be nice to catch a glimpse of Matt Allen and Craig Moir but apart from their obvious appeal to the ladies, I have no further information on their well being.

I'm going to be far too busy to check the team sheets nearer the time but with my wealth of experience here's the Saints team I'd pick to take on the blues. Those fine upstanding editor chaps (that's you David and Phillip,) may like to edit it nearer the time, however, I've emailed this selection to Jim and naturally he'll welcome my advice:

Reihana

Ashton

Clarke

Myler

Diggin

Spencer

Robinson

Smith

Shields

Murray

Rae

Lord

Tupai

Lewitt

Hopley

As for the Blues, more guesswork I'm afraid. This is the team they put out last week:

Pritchard

Hinkins

Roberts

Youngs

Dodge

Patston

Dickson

Graham

Richmond

Volland

Phillips

Brenton

Strauss

Harding

McKay

They also brought on some handy sounding chaps in the props Fortuna and Cecere and a lock called Botha. The props came on together just after half time so that sounds like a bit of a ploy and anyone called Botha probably has some genetic advantage in the pounding slab of wildebeest department. One thing is for sure they seem to have a decent pack and Saints will need to be at the races or James Pritchard will kick the stuffing out of them. Perhaps the greatest irony on Saturday might be in the lineout, where we just could get handed a lesson.

 Monty's prediction. It will be cold, so pack the scarf, mittens, hipflask and oxtail soup and don't forget your voices. Oh yes...Saints to sneak a BP victory.

Toodle pip.