Yes it was a game we probably could have won but all credit to Bristol who despite their lowly position never gave up the ghost and kept plugging away. The introduction of one of England's forgotten me, Shaun Perry, at scrumhalf was their trump card and he inspired his side to edge the game, just.

I wrote last week that this could have been one of the defining games of the season and had Steve Myler's late punt gone over there is no escaping the fact that we would have been two clear games clear of the foot of the table, indeed we would have been nearer Quins in second spot than the drop, but before you throw yourself in the Nene things are far from over yet. The losing bonus point may have been scant consolation but looking at the big picture overall perhaps things are not quite as bad as the doom mongers will have you believe.

With the main aim of this season being survival and consolidation in the GP you only have to look at the two sides who met on Sunday and their comparative squads and using Bristol as our yardstick to see where potential strength will lie as we go forward. In time we will welcome Sean Lamont, Scott Murray, Euan Murray, Dylan Hartley and the currently banned Neil Best back into the side, quality players all five. Quite simply Bristol are not affected to any degree by the current international window and on paper our squad will be stronger as the season progresses.  And yes I know the games are played on grass not paper but despite Bristol now being just three points behind us I know who I would put good money on to finish higher in the table. Things may change of course, that's the very nature of sport, but as yet I for one will not be losing any sleep over our current position. At the moment I am in the glass half full camp as I am sure over time things will improve.

BATH TIME

One other factor in our favour is our 100% home record. Yes it might only be those two games against Worcester and Wasps in the GP but add that to the EDF and European victories and from small acorns and all that. Who knows we might just have the building blocks at the Gardens to build that GP consolidation on. On Saturday it will be sorely tested though with the visit of table topping Bath. Over the years you would be hard pressed to remember a clash between the two clubs at the Gardens that was not entertaining for one reason or the other. Even in the relegation season we even managed a bonus point four try 33-18 win over the visitors while two years before who can forget the try of the season when we nicked the ball on our own line and through quick hands and deft running Bruce touched down under the Bath posts a matter of seconds later. Going further back there are some other memorable moments including Freddie Mendez and his somersault try over the line as Saints put 40 points on his old club in the Mayday sunshine or further back still the day Shem Tatupu took on Bath virtually on his own, and won! Indeed you would have to go back to the early months of this century, April 2000, when the visitors edged a close game 13-17 for the last time Bath won a league game at the Gardens.

So history is on our side but that will count for very little on Saturday as Bath, who have lost just the once this season look to extend their lead at the top. Again we can play our part in getting behind the team from the off and making the Gardens the cauldron it was against Wasps and Llanelli, the players have commented the support of the crowd does help and who are we to argue. Given that the forecasters are predicting an Arctic blast it might well be the only way to keep warm so come prepared to give it your all. There should be more than a few sore throats on Sunday morning.  I've a feeling it might just be closer than a lot of outsiders predict.

MISSING OUT

Saturdays game kicks off early at 1:00pm as England play South Africa at Twickenham in the afternoon, starting at 2:30. I do not know who is responsible for the decision but it leaves supporters very little time to get either home or to a bar to watch the England match, in fact in all probability the two will overlap by some way. For those parked in the car parks they can all but forget seeing the game live unless they leave at half time. For once in some small degree I can sympathise with those wanting to traipse out early. For those with Sky+ maybe it's a case of recording the England game and sticking cotton wool in your ears on the way home but by and large people will miss out on parts of one game or the other, something that's bound to raise a few complaints.

SSC NOTES

The Saints Supporters Club Christmas Draw is being held on Friday 28th November, in the Sturtridge Pavilion, doors open at 7pm.  As usual, it is free to members of the Saints Supporters Club - All you need to do is turn up! Players will be in attendance to draw the tickets and chat during the evening.

New members can join on the night, so why not come along and have a great night out, with the chance of winning some fantastic prizes. First prize is £150, other prizes include, a digital camera, £160 Church's Shoes Voucher & many, many more!

The SSC have also added an online facility to their website where you can book places on the SCC coaches to away games. You can find this by clicking the ‘Coaches' tab at www.saintssupportersclub.com

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