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A number of roads that were removed from the gritting network may not see the lorries return after all despite a council reversal - because the machines are now too big.
Northamptonshire County Council had previously removed almost 500 roads from its precautionary gritting network in an attempt to save £475,000.
But the council reversed its policy after calls from residents and opposition councillors to reinstate them, and a number of road collisions on icy roads that had not been gritted.
Council leader Matt Golby said that he had listened to the ‘clear message’ that had been sent to the authority, and has said the service would return ‘as near as damn it’ to the previous levels.
However, some routes may now miss out on the reinstatement after cabinet member Councillor Ian Morris said that gritting machines would no longer be able to fit down them.
He said: “We do have a slight problem in that some of the gritting machines are actually too big to go down some roads, so it’s going to be a little difficult to grit every single road that was removed.”
It was not disclosed how many, or which roads, this issue now refers to.
The revelation, made at Thursday’s county council cabinet meeting (February 14), was prompted by a question from Liberal Democrat leader Councillor Chris Stanbra.
He asked: “I was pleased to hear you say leader that the budget reinstates the gritting routes to previous levels. Most would therefore assume that the 400 kilometres of roads that were moved from the precautionary network to the adverse network in the report approved last October are therefore being moved back to the precautionary network and will be gritted with along the current roads that are currently on the precautionary network. That would be how I would interpret a statement that says it is reinstating the gritting to previous levels.
“However, according to NN Highways the changes that are going to be introduced soon will see the introduction of a new 'intermediate' network, and these will be treated after the precautionary routes have been completed. So which is it? Are we going back to what we had before, or are we introducing a new level that sits somewhere between the precautionary and the adverse?”
Councillor Morris responded: “What we’re doing is we’re having a look currently at what we’re going to reinstate for next year. We’re currently doing extra gritting now on this precautionary plus route, which is a beefed up version of the precautionary, plus extra routes.
“But we are working hard on a plan, and I think we will have something soon which will flesh out a bit more what we’re proposing to do next year. But the budget figure is still going back in, it’s just what we can achieve with that. And hopefully we can achieve more with that because we’ll try and get more gritting done.
“You have to remember that with this reinstated, we will be gritting at levels far higher than most councils in the country, if that’s any comfort.”
The Sharks had headed to Northampton on a five-match unbeaten run in the Gallagher Premiership, but they were ripped apart by a rampant Saints side.
Chris Boyd's men bagged nine tries in total, taking their tally to an incredible 48 in five games.
Cobus Reinach and Tom Collins claimed two apiece, with captain Tom Wood, Ahsee Tuala, Taqele Naiyaravoro, George Furbank and Rory Hutchinson also on the scoresheet.
Saints did lose their first-choice half-back pairing to injuries during the game, with Dan Biggar coming off after just 20 minutes and Reinach withdrawn on 55.
But that did not disrupt the relentless hosts as they continued to pour forward and compound Sale's misery, earning revenge for the narrow November defeat at the AJ Bell Stadium.
Saints had fallen 21-0 down in their Premiership Rugby Cup semi-final win against Newcastle Falcons a week earlier, but there was no repeat of that sloppy start on this occasion.
Boyd's men went ahead through a Biggar penalty after winning the first scrum of the day against a pack drilled by former Saints forwards coach Dorian West.
And it was to become an even more impressive opening to the game soon after as a rambunctious run from Lewis Ludlam opened the door for Reinach to score.
Biggar added the extras but Sale hit back straight away through an AJ MacGinty penalty.
But Saints cancelled that effort out rapidly as Biggar's restarts continued to cause problems for Sale and the away side infringed again, allowing the Saints fly-half to make it 13-3.
The home side were clearly fired up and they were playing some superb rugby, leaving the Sharks breathless.
After Naiyaravoro gathered on the edge of his own 22, he offloaded to Piers Francis and the centre timed his own pass perfectly for Reinach, allowing the No.9 to race down the left and score.
Biggar converted and Saints led 20-3 with just 14 frantic minutes gone.
The black, green and gold were flying at the Sharks from all angles and only a tap tackle on Furbank prevented a third score.
Saints were bossing every department of the game, with prop Francois van Wyk proving a penalty-winning machine at the breakdown early on.
Sale should have opened their try account on 21 minutes but they butchered a three on one as Byron McGuigan made the wrong decision and Tuala made the tackle to win a scrum.
It was then Saints' turn to waste a huge chance as Naiyaravoro did superbly to release Tuala, whose pass was just behind Hutchinson, allowing Sale to scramble and ground the centre.
But it wasn't long before the home side had their third try as Wood cut a lovely line and showed great strength to get the ball down.
Francis, kicking because Biggar had earlier been replaced due to an injury, landed the conversion and Saints were in complete control.
But Sale finally managed to respond as a dominant lineout drive forced referee Karl Dickson to award a penalty try, cutting the gap to 17 points.
However, Saints responded in style and after some clever combination play between Francis and Hutchinson, Jamie Gibson offloaded superbly for Collins to score in the corner.
It was the bonus-point score before the break and though Francis missed the conversion, Saints were given a standing ovation as they left the field at half-time.
And they picked up where they left off after the restart as Tuala made the initial inroads and eventually finished a flowing team move that Sale simply couldn't handle.
Francis converted with aplomb from the touchline and the Sharks were submerged at the Gardens.
But they did manage to respond as Denny Solomona scored in the corner with an acrobatic finish that came after Tuala put in a huge hit to stop McGuigan on the other wing.
MacGinty converted and there was soon some concern for Reinach who was down for some time with a neck injury before leaving the field to a huge ovation.
Saints continued to come at Sale with speed and strength and Naiyaravoro etched his name on the scoresheet after picking the ball up at the breakdown and charging home.
Francis kicked and the Sharks were well and truly sunk, still facing another 17 minutes of action against a relentless Northampton side.
Furbank, who had been strutting his stuff at fly-half since Biggar was forced off, was next to score as Sale looked totally deflated.
Francis kicked again to make it 53-17 before Hutchinson picked up the ball in his own 22 and sprinted home, throwing the ball into the crowd in delight.
Francis converted to bring up the 60 points for Saints and there was still time for arguably the most eye-catching score of the game.
Collins started it and finished it, sprinting from his own 22, chipping ahead for Alex Mitchell, who gathered impressively and offloaded even more impressively for Collins to score.
Francis converted and the noise reverberated around a jubilant Gardens.
Collins thought he had completed his hat-trick when he crossed the whitewash again from the final play of the game, but his effort was ruled out.
It mattered not to the team as a whole though as they were greeted with adulation by the home support at the end of a memorable afternoon.
Saints: Furbank; Tuala (Burrell 63), Hutchinson, Francis, Naiyaravoro; Biggar (Collins 20), Reinach (Mitchell 55); van Wyk (Waller 55), Fish (Marshall 55), Painter (Hill 50), Ratuniyarawa (Coles 66), Moon; Gibson, Ludlam (Brüssow 63), Wood (c).
Sale Sharks: S James; Solomona, O’Connor (L James 62), Janse van Rensburg, McGuigan (Reed 67); MacGinty, de Klerk (Cliff 62); Harrison (Bristow 25), Webber (Neild 62), John (Jones 62); Evans, Phillips; Ross (c), B Curry, Beaumont.
Referee: Karl Dickson
Cobblers moved a point closer towards securing their EFL future for another season after a truly dreadful goalless draw with Crawley Town on Saturday.
A flat atmosphere at the PTS Academy Stadium was matched by a flat, scrappy and desperately low-quality 90 minutes of football, with Town way off their best throughout.
The hosts created the clearer opportunities but failed to take them and never once did they find any fluency or apply a sustained spell of pressure in a disappointing home display, and fans let their frustrations known with boos at full-time.
Injuries to Jordan Turnbull and Shay Facey forced manager Keith Curle to switch systems and return to a four-man defence with Charlie Goode slotting in at right-back.
This time opting for 4-2-3-1, Timi Elsnik and Joe Powell were back in the starting line-up and played in advanced roles behind lone striker Sam Hoskins.
There were a couple of nearly moments at either end early on but it wasn’t until the 20-minute mark when the game briefly opened up and each side had a clear chance to break the deadlock.
Crawley were first to threaten as David Buchanan cleared off the line from Tom Dallison’s header before home stopper David Cornell easily kept out Joe McNerney’s follow-up attempt.
The Cobblers replied straightaway, Jack Bridge released down the inside left channel and clipping in a cross for John-Joe O’Toole who couldn’t keep his half-volley down, skewing over with the goal gaping.
Hoskins was unable to hit the target from a tight angle after the ball bounced about in Crawley’s box and Elsnik hooked Ash Taylor’s long throw narrowly over, but there was not much else to shout about in a low-quality and, at times, hard-to-watch opening 45 minutes.
Set-pieces remained the game’s most likely source of an opening goal in the second-half as Taylor headed over at the back post while Cornell was out in a flash to block Ollie Palmer’s low effort.
Opposite number Glenn Moriss was given his first - and only - true test on the hour-mark when sticking out a big left hand to tip Powell’s well-struck shot around the post.
Palmer went close for a second time when seeing a shot blocked by Taylor, but the second-half continued to be error-strewn and plagued by basic mistakes.
Powell had home fans celebrating but his free-kick hit the wrong side of the net while Dominic Poleon almost snatched it in the final minute, Cornell pulling off a smart stop to at least ensure the Cobblers didn’t suffer the ignominy of defeat.
Match stats
Cobblers: Cornell, Goode, Taylor, Pierre, McWilliams, Buchanan, Elsnik (Roberts 72), O’Toole, J Powell (A Williams 84), Bridge, Hoskins (Morias 90)
Subs not used: Coddington, J Williams, Bowditch, D Powell
Crawley: Morris, Young, McNerney, Poleon, Francomb, Dallison, Sesay, Bulman, Morais (c) (Payne 69), Camara, Palmer.
Subs not used: Mersin, Nathaniel-George, Maguire, Willock, N’Gala
Referee: Nick Kinseley
Attendance: 4,581
Crawley fans: 123
Chris Boyd feels Saints are starting to play the way he desires after they smashed Sale Sharks 67-17 at Franklin's Gardens on Saturday afternoon.
Everything clicked for the home side as they ran in nine tries, taking their tally to an incredible 48 in the past five matches.
Saints have now moved up to seventh in the Gallagher Premiership after beating a Sale side who had not been defeated in the league since November.
And Boyd, whose side are now just five points off fourth place, said: "I enjoyed it.
"I would have taken that score at the start of the game obviously, but it was really more the performance than the score that was most pleasing.
"Some of the things we talked about we managed to put into the game and we got on top, things started rolling our way and we were able to capitalise on it.
"It was a good day at the office.
"It's a recipe of everyone: Sam Vesty runs our attack, Alan Dickens runs our defence, Phil Dowson runs our forwards and our breakdown and Ferg runs our scrum.
"It's a combination of all those people having an impact and the players.
"We're starting to find the Northampton Saints way now.
"It's not just anybody's way, it's our way and we're managing to execute that quite nicely.
"We're making better decisions and though one swallow doesn't make a summer, I did think it was a pretty good performance."
Biggar was forced off after just 20 minutes of the Gallagher Premiership game at Franklin's Gardens.
The Wales star, who had featured in his country's first two Six Nations matches and will be needed for the huge game against England in Cardiff next Saturday, was replaced by Tom Collins.
That meant George Furbank went to fly-half, with Ahsee Tuala switching to full-back and Collins taking the Samoan's place on the wing.
And Saints went on to register a resounding victory.
After the game, Boyd was asked about Biggar's withdrawal.
And the Saints boss said: "He came back from Italy with a really low-grade MCL strain in the knee and was keen to play.
"He trained really well on Thursday and felt really comfortable but he just caught it again and that was precautionary.
"Despite the fact (England boss) Eddie Jones was probably keen for me to keep him on the field, we decided in the best interests of his health and safety to remove him.
"He probably could have played on but I thought George (Furbank) did a good job in his space when he came off.
"I'm no medical man but I would be surprised if Dan isn't fine to train with Wales this week."
Cobblers boss Keith Curle choice to focus on the positive aspects of his side's drab goalless draw with Crawley Town on Saturday, namely just a second clean sheet in over two months.
Boos at the full-time whistle suggested home supporters at the PTS were far from happy with what they witnessed from their side, who were well below-par in a scrappy and underwhelming League Two encounter.
That said, the Cobblers did have their chances with John-Joe O'Toole skewing off target from just a few yards out and Joe Powell 's free-kick rippling the side-netting, while Timi Elsnik hooked a volley narrowly over.
But Crawley too created opportunities and only David Cornell's last-gasp save from Dominic Poleon prevented Northampton from suffering a second successive home defeat.
However, while admitting his side have room for improvement in an attacking sense, Curle praised a solid defensive performance.
"It was a point earned and a clean sheet," he said. "It wasn't a classic by any stretch of the imagination but I thought we looked solid defensively and that's pleasing after conceding four in our last home game.
"I was disappointed we didn't hit the back of the net with the opportunities we had in the first-half but the team showed they've got a backbone and we're building on the win at Tranmere and the draw at Lincoln.
"It was very important to show the resolve and make sure we kept a clean sheet because if things don't come off in the final third, you walk off the pitch with a 0-0.
"The defence gave us the platform but we could have done better when we had the ball facing their goal. Some of our decision-making and some of our choices on the ball needs to improve and the players know that.
"But as a back four, we kept the ball out of the net and Dai (Cornell) did what we needed when he was called upon."
A hugely disappointing game was meandering towards a predictable outcome when Aaron Pierre appeared to trip Ollie Palmer in the penalty box but, despite protests, referee Nick Kinseley showed no interest in awarding a spot-kick.
Nevertheless, Cioffi was content with his side's performance and the overall result as both teams struggled to stir up much excitement, although David Cornell was called upon to deny Crawley's Ollie Palmer and, in the last minute, Dominic Poleon.
Crawley and Northampton remain 16th and 17th respectively in League Two, the point moving them both a step closer to safety this season.
"I thought it was another solid performance and the final score was a fair result because both teams could have won the game," said Cioffi.
"Their main threat was from set-pieces all over the pitch but we dealt well with those and we were good on the second balls so I'm pleased with the point and the performance.
"From the bench it looked a penalty at the end. I think the referee made his decision because Ollie (Palmer) had kicked the ball away from himself and he didn't have it under control, but it's fine.
"I'm happy with the front two in terms of what I asked from them and in the second-half we played well. We were solid, we got on the second balls and showed effort to win tackles.
"In terms of football I think we've played much, much better but this is a tough pitch to play football on so that's OK and one point is a positive result.
"Last week the 3-0 defeat to Oldham didn't mirror the performance but we learnt our lessons today and if we can't win, we have to make sure we don't lose."
Students from Dexterity Dance School, in Great Houghton, have been cast for key roles for Matthew Bourne’s latest production, a modern retake of Shakespeare’s classic Romeo and Juliet.
Described as a passionate and contemporary re-imagining of Shakespeare’s classic love story, the production will be travelling the length of country, with a 13-date UK tour starting in May, including a four-week summer season at Sadler’s Wells in August.
Dexterity principle, Estha Jones, said: “All three students have worked incredibly hard to achieve this and are extremely excited to be part of Matthew Bourne’s production.
"Having been with us for a number of years, they are already experienced on-stage performers and I know they will give their all to the show”.
The production will feature the finest emerging male and female dancers from around the UK. The three male students can be seen performing when the production reaches Northampton’s Derngate at the start of the tour in May.
The casting process began in April 2018, with a call-out for young dancers currently in training aged between 16 and 19, attracting over 1,000 applications.
Matthew Bourne’s Romeo and Juliet will be playing Tuesday, May 28 to Saturday, June 1 at the Royal and Derngate Theatre, Northampton. Tickets are on sale now.
In this week's edition of the Northampton Chronicle & Echo this newspaper highlighted how food bank demand has tripled at Emmanuel Food Bank in Weston Favell.
In 2017 four tonnes of food was handed out, almost three times less than the 11 tonnes needed to feed those who were living on the breadline in 2018.
In 2018, 1,076 food parcels were handed out by Emmanuel Church, in Weston Favell, to people in the Eastern District of Northampton. These parcels, on average, would have fed a family of three, which is 3,228 people for three days at a time.
The MP for Northampton North Michael Ellis said: "With regards to food banks, the Government has worked hard to address the complex root causes of food banks, not just the symptoms.
"This Government is taking action on numerous fronts in order to help those people who need it.
"Household incomes have never been higher, the number of children living in work less households is now at a record low, and our Universal Credit policy is helping people into work faster than before. There are also 1 million fewer people living in absolute poverty – a record low. The policies of this Government have contributed greatly to increasing equality in this country."
In Northampton North he said there has been a decrease of 51 per cent in the amount of people claiming benefits compared to before the Tories were in office in 2010.
Mr Ellis said: "It is also important to consider the complex root causes of poverty," he added. "We know that the best route out of poverty is a job and I am pleased that there are 828,000 fewer work less households as well as 3.3 million more jobs now when compared to 2010.
"We have introduced the National Living Wage which has given 1.7 million of the lowest paid a pay rise as well as cutting income tax by raising the income tax threshold to £11,850. This has given a tax cut to 31 million people and has taken 4 million of the lowest earners out of having to pay income tax altogether.
"We are also ensuring that there is a strong safety net for those who need extra support through the welfare system: 28 per cent of all public spending is spent on welfare."
The Sharks shipped nine tries as they were eviscerated 67-17 at Franklin's Gardens on Saturday afternoon.
It brought a crushing end to a five-match unbeaten run in the Gallagher Premiership for Sale, who had not lost in the league since November 17.
And Diamond had some strong words for his players after the game.
"It was probably one of the worst days at the office," Diamond said.
"I really did not see that coming, to be honest.
"We weren't right between the ears.
"We got beaten in every area. We got hammered.
"I'm very disappointed, embarrassed actually.
"A bit like the opposite of King Midas, everything we touched turned to s***. It was one of those days.
"The players looked like they didn't know each other and the message at half-time was to try to get four tries for a losing bonus point.
"I'm thoroughly p****d off."
On a day dominated by defenders, who impressed and who struggled? Find out with James Heneghan's player ratings - scroll down and flick through our picture gallery to see how each player performed.
A 15th league draw of the campaign and by far the most underwhelming of the lot, Saturday’s turgid goalless stalemate against Crawley Town was a strong contender for the worst game of the season, not just at the PTS but at any ground in any division.
While some 0-0 draws can be deceptively entertaining affairs, this one certainly wasn’t. Instead, it was very much a case of the final scoreline reflecting a dour game as Northampton and Crawly laboured their way through an error-strewn, defence-dominated encounter.
It left us in no doubt as to why these teams sit in the lower reaches of League Two, seemingly unable to escape the fringes of a relegation battle.
There are still 13 games remaining but it should perhaps be no surprise that Saturday’s match had an end-of-season feel to it given both Cobblers and Crawley already look to have their fate sealed. They are too far off to even think of a late surge towards the play-offs and while relegation remains a possibility, it seems highly unlikely.
After taking a couple of steps forward with good performances and positive results on the road to Tranmere and Lincoln, this represented at least one step backwards for the Cobblers, no matter how you try and dress it up.
There were some good individual displays at the back, notably from Charlie Goode and David Buchanan, and just a seventh clean sheet of the season was reward for an improved defensive showing. Other than that though, straws are being clutched.
What gripes most is not so much the lack of quality or lack of entertainment on show, but rather the lack of ambition to take risks and win the game, particularly when it became apparent one goal would be enough to claim all three points.
The Cobblers looked a side almost haunted by their home mauling against Colchester United two weeks earlier when they were picked off all too readily. This time, they were guilty of placing caution over ambition and with Crawley happy with an away draw, it made for a negative, dull football match.
Ultimately, there’s a balance to be struck and Curle is yet to find it. If he is intent on making the Cobblers hard to beat, goals and entertainment may well be in short supply for the foreseeable future, at least until he feels that solid base has been put in place.
Despite all this, Cobblers did have their chances on Saturday, just not enough of them. Who knows, maybe things might have been different had John-Joe O’Toole kept his close-range attempt below the crossbar or Timi Elsnik steered his volley on target instead of narrowly over.
Half chances also fell for Sam Hoskins, Joe Powell and Ash Taylor but the fact is visiting stopper Glenn Morris was forced into only one save of note and as the game wore on, Town appeared increasingly resigned to accepting a point and no more.
In the end, they were indebted to goalkeeper David Cornell who at least ensured the Cobblers avoided the ignominy of becoming just the fourth team to lose a home game to Crawley this season. He was out in a hurry to block from Ollie Palmer and also reacted smartly to thwart Dominic Poleon in the final minute.
It all added up to a 15th league draw of the season, two more than any other team in the division and one more than anyone at all across the entire EFL.
To highlight the curiosity of Town’s season, just three League Two teams have won fewer than their eight games and yet only six have lost less. When you factor in the wild swings in performance levels, from their impressive efforts against Tranmere and Carlisle to the struggles against Colchester and Crawley, they remain a difficult team to work out.
One thing is for certain though, performances like Saturday’s against Crawley will not sit well among paying supporters.
Check out the following link for player ratings: Cobblers 0 Crawley 0 player ratings in pictures
Keith Curle believes the value of keeping a rare clean sheet justified his decision to take a more cautious approach into Saturday’s clash against Crawley Town when he left one up front for much of the game.
Switching from 3-5-2 to 4-3-3, Curle moved Charlie Goode to right-back and played a midfield three of John-Joe O’Toole, Shaun McWilliams and Timi Elsnik, with Joe Powell and Jack Bridge either side of sole striker Sam Hoskins.
After conceding four goals the last time they played at home, against Colchester United two weeks ago, it was clear Town wanted to tighten up at the back and keep just a seventh league clean sheet of the season, and only their second at home for over three months.
In that sense, Curle’s plan worked as the Cobblers largely kept Crawley’s attack quiet, but it made for a scrappy and low-quality affair with few opportunities at either end although John-Joe O’Toole and Timi Elsnik did go close for the home side.
“I think it (clean sheet) was important,” said Curle when asked why he left it until the final five minutes to bring on Junior Morias and Andy Williams. “I still had that feeling in the back of my head of when we got beat 4-0 at home and I wanted to make sure that the minimum we set out with was coming off the pitch with a clean sheet.
“We also had chances in the first-half. It’s not about formations and it’s not about systems, it’s about having a backbone and having the desire and willingness to keep a clean sheet and we did that on Saturday.
“It’s a box ticked. We need to be more creative in midfield, we need to be more clinical in the final third and we have to be more adventurous but the starting point now, as a team, is that they’ve earned the right to keep a clean sheet.”
Curle has mostly played three at the back during his time in charge of the Cobblers but on Saturday he went with a flat back four, the same system he deployed in the second-half of last week’s draw at Lincoln City.
He added: “I had a look at it last week when we played a back four at Lincoln with a defensive full-back playing in front of Charlie Goode.
“Distances become different on the pitch but I thought we looked quite solid at the back, we were able to handle their physicality and we looked a threat in the opposition box.
“Sometimes, by having a defensive mentality in the back four, you can lose fluidity going forward and having people in more advanced areas, but I still thought we had enough opportunities to get the ball into the final third, but we lacked the quality.”
On a day when defenders dominated, Goode and David Buchanan were among Town’s more impressive performers while David Cornell made two important stops in the second-half.
Curle added: “David Buchanan played his slot well and Charlie was very impressive. It was a good performance and he’s bought into the ethos of what we’re trying to do and he deservedly got man of the match.
“It was solid enough from Aaron Pierre and Ash Taylor and they gave us the platform to go and earn the point.”
It's all very well scoring a plethora of tries against Timisoara Saracens and a Leicester Tigers second string, but could Saints do it in England's top division against a team unbeaten in the league since November?
You bet they could.
Chris Boyd and his coaches have instilled a swagger in this Northampton side and earlier in the season it was taking time to settle in, with glimpses of it on show.
But now Saints are really starting to click and the rugby they are producing is something to savour for supporters lucky enough to witness it.
They have now scored an eye-watering 48 tries in five matches, leaving people struggling to keep count on almost every outing.
And on Saturday, they produced the best of the lot.
To score nine tries in a Premiership match is incredible.
To do it against a team with as much quality as Sale is staggering.
Ben Curry, Faf de Klerk and Denny Solomona were among the stellar names on show for the Sharks.
But they and their side had no answer to the speed and strength that Saints showcased from start to finish.
It was one of the most comprehensive league wins in recent Saints history, akin to the one they produced against Wasps in the title winning season of 2013/14.
But on that occasion, the opposition had nothing to play for and were resting plenty of players for the Champions Cup play-offs that beckoned soon after.
Saints won 74-13 against that mix and match Wasps side, scoring 11 tries in the process.
But this success against Sale felt much more seismic.
It was another coming-of-age moment for a Saints squad that is being given license to play and is managing to maintain it for the full 80 minutes.
The confidence levels are currently through the Franklin's Gardens roof and the tries are coming because of that.
Saints keep their foot on the throat of the opposition and just keep piling on the pain.
And they are very much still alive on all three fronts this season.
Not only that, but they have returned a feelgood factor to Franklin's Gardens.
After Saints failed to back up their sensational double-winning season with more big trophies, the fear factor started to fade.
No longer were the team as formidable, they started to lose games on home soil more regularly and they needed a new freshness to lift everyone's spirits.
Talented young players have come through to do just that.
Fans are watching youngsters they feel an affinity with and not only are they pulling on the shirt, they are bringing top quality to it.
Against Sale on Saturday, the combination of senior players and prodigious players proved so potent.
And it was a pleasure to watch - one of the most enjoyable matches to report on for many years.
If Saints can maintain this momentum for the weeks to come, the good times - and plenty more fans - will be coming back to the Gardens.
And the great thing for the supporters who were in attendance on Saturday is that they only have to wait until next weekend to watch this talented team on home turf again.
How they rated...
GEORGE FURBANK
Running out of superlatives for the 22-year-old who excelled at full-back for 20 minutes before stepping in at 10 for the injured Biggar and pulling the strings in superb fashion... 9
AHSEE TUALA
The Samoan's best showing of the season as he proved a constant menace for Sale, dealing brilliantly with the high ball and constantly beating defenders... 9
RORY HUTCHINSON
Was named man of the match in two of the previous three games and picked up where he left off with another dazzling centre display... 9
PIERS FRANCIS
An exceptional return from injury for the England man as he made it through the full 80 minutes and excelled throughout, superbly setting up one try for Cobus Reinach... 9
TAQELE NAIYARAVORO
One of his best showings for Saints so far as he thrived on the amount of possession his side had, starting attacks from deep and proving hard to stop when in the Sale half... 9
DAN BIGGAR
Was only on the field for 20 minutes but his restarts caused Sale all sorts of problems during that time and he more than contributed to a big win... 7
COBUS REINACH
You just can't stop the South African scrum-half from scoring and he definitely won the battle with compatriot Faf de Klerk, dotting down twice in another fine showing... 9
FRANCOIS VAN WYK
Was a penalty-winning machine during the first period, twice punishing Sale at the breakdown and helping to keep Saints going forward... 8
JAMES FISH
Took a knock during the first half but didn't let it affect him as he continued his impressive campaign with another strong showing... 8
EHREN PAINTER
Savoured the scrum battle and continued his progression with another useful performance in the Premiership... 7
API RATUNIYARAWA
Time and again the lock blasted holes in the Sale rearguard, once again illustrating his worth to the team... 8
ALEX MOON
Has taken to life in the Premiership like a prop in a restaurant, chewing up opposition defenders with his physicality and composed approach... 8
JAMIE GIBSON
Has so much quality in his game, with an ability to mix it up allied with some real silk, showing he really fits into a team that loves an offload... 9
LEWIS LUDLAM
Started it all off for Saints with a sensational run and offload that led to a try for Reinach and his strength all around the field is hugely impressive... 9
TOM WOOD - CHRON STAR MAN
Was skippering Saints and certainly led from the front, producing a typically warrior-like display that also included plenty of quality... 9
Replacements (who played more than 20 minutes)
TOM COLLINS (for Biggar 20)
Might have had to wait 20 minutes to get some game time but he more than made up for it as he delivered a display that saw him score twice and also come close to a hat-trick... 8
PAUL HILL (for Painter 50)
Looked hungry for action when he came on, making his tackles and trying to put pressure on Sale...6
ALEX WALLER (for van Wyk 55)
Saints were well on top when they started to make real use of their bench and this man didn't do anything wrong after coming on... 6
REECE MARSHALL (for Fish 55)
Was eager to have a say in the game and there was no shortage of determination from him... 6
ALEX MITCHELL (for Reinach 55)
Played his part in a magical Saints score, combining with Tom Collins for the winger's sensational effort... 7
The following people were sentenced at Northampton Magistrates’ Court:
NOVEMBER 19
Andrew McLester, aged 52, of Fitzgerald Court, Northampton, driving at 50mph in a 30mph zone; fined £538, surcharge £53, costs £85, licence endorsed with four points.
Sameteh Nyimasatou, aged 43, of Hemans Road, Daventry, no insurance; fined £440, surcharge £44, licence endorsed with six points. Driving not in accordance with a licence; fined £146, cost £85.
Trevor Stewart, aged 34, of Archangel Square, Northampton, passenger not wearing a seat belt; fined £220, surcharge £30, costs £85.
Paul Vaughan, aged 51, of Palmerston Road, Northampton, failed to stop at an accident; fined £660, surcharge £66. No insurance; fined £660, costs £85, licence endorsed with six points.
Nicolai Volcov, aged 27, of Stimpson Avenue, Northampton, no insurance; fined £660, surcharge £66, licence endorsed with six points. Driving not in accordance with a licence; fined £220, costs £85.
Mark Williamson, aged 48, of Underbank Lane, Northampton, driving at 50mph in a 30mph zone; fined £400, surcharge £40, costs £85, licence endorsed with six points.
Milosz Zieba, aged 32, of Baden Powell Crescent, Towcester, driving at 36mph in a 30mph zone; fined £220, surcharge £30, costs £85, licence endorsed with three points.
Mahad Baalwann, aged 23, of Longmead Court, Northampton, no insurance; fined £660, surcharge £66, licence endorsed with six points. Driving not in accordance with a licence; fined £220, costs £85.
Vasile Barahin, aged 37, of Masefield Way, Northampton, no insurance; fined £660, surcharge £66, licence endorsed with six points.
Harjot Gill, aged 39, of St George’s Avenue, Northampton, driving at 35mph in a 30mph zone; fined £146, surcharge £30, licence endorsed with three points.
Ana Hirsu, aged 32, of Merthyr Road, Northamtpon, driving while using a mobile phone; fined £220, surcharge £30, costs £85, banned from driving for six months.
Alexandru-Cristian Ivan, aged 28, of Countess Road, Northampton, no insurance; fined £660, surcharge £66, costs £85, banned from driving for six months.
Dean Mandefield, aged 54, of Hillside, Daventry, no insurance; fined £660, surcharge £66, costs £85, banned from driving for six months.
Edward Ward, aged 54, of Shadowfax Drive, Northampton, no insurance; fined £660, surcharge £66, banned from driving for six months.
NOVEMBER 20
Patrice Douglas-Hall, aged 50, of Donellan Green, Northampton, breach of a criminal behaviour order; jailed for 12 weeks.
Ben Perkin, aged 36, of no fixed abode, damaged a window at the Five Bells in Bugbrook; ordered to pay compensation of £150 and costs of £85.
Luke Day, aged 34, c/o Stevensons Court, Roade, assault; community order made, compensation £100, surcharge £85, costs £150. Assaulted a police officer; community order made, compensation £100, surcharge £85, costs £150.
NOVEMBER 21
Erikas Baliunas, aged 21, of Crow Lane, Billing Aquadrome, drink-driving with a breath test reading of 78mcgs of alcohol in 100mls of breath; fined £422, surcharge £43, costs £85, banned from driving for 18 months.
Florin Mangalagiu- Dascalu, aged 26, of Sheep Street, Northampton, drink-driving with a breath test reading of 82mcgs of alcohol in 100mls of breath; fined £300, surcharge £30, costs £85, banned from driving for 18 months. No insurance; fined £300.
Matthew Golden, aged 45, of Camp Hill, Bugbrook, driving at 66mph in a 40mph zone; fined £553, surcharge £55, costs £85, banned from driving for 28 days.
Robert Smith, aged 28, of Fitzroy Place, Northampton, no insurance; fined £250, surcharge £30, cost £85, licence endorsed with six points.
Sami Chouchen, age 29, of Ashmead, Little Billing, intent to cause harassment, alarm or distress; community order made to carry out 100 hours of unpaid work, surcharge £85, costs £85.
Patrick O’Beirne, aged 46, of Harefield Road, Northampton, assault; jailed for 18 weeks, surcharge £115.
Ricardo Gallacchi, aged 18, of Stockmead Road, Northampton, damaged a window; community order made, compensation £50, surcharge £85, costs £85. Possession of cannabis; community order made.
James Halford, aged 33, of Portland Close, Daventry, assault; community order made, surcharge £85, costs £85.
Chris Boyd saluted 'warrior' Tom Wood for the forward's 'outstanding' showing against Sale Sharks on Saturday.
Wood skippered Saints from No.8 and delivered a gargantuan display in a stunning 67-17 Gallagher Premiership win at Franklin's Gardens.
The black, green and gold scored nine tries as they put the Sharks to the sword in ruthless fashion.
And Wood was at the forefront of the performance, backing up his big effort in the previous week's Premiership Rugby Cup semi-final victory against Newcastle Falcons.
The 32-year-old is out of contract at the end of the season and has admitted he would love to stay at Saints.
And performances like the one against Sale will not do Wood's chances of remaining a Northampton player any harm.
"I just thought he was outstanding on Saturday," said Saints boss Boyd.
"He was injured when I came here at the start of the season and I admire the way he just grafted and grafted and grafted to get himself in a position to be selected.
"Tom Wood is a warrior in the truest sense of the word. He doesn't back down, he doesn't give up, he just keeps grafting.
"By his own admission he's got a diesel engine not a turbo-charged one, he just keeps on keeping on.
"It was an outstanding performance from him both in the way he played and the way he led."
Cobblers boss Keith Curle has given an update on the fitness of injured quartet Marvin Sordell, Sam Foley, Jordan Turnbull and Shay Facey, all of whom missed Saturday’s game against Crawley Town.
While Turnbull and Facey have been in and out of the treatment room in recent weeks, midfield Foley and January signing Sordell are more long-term absentees with back and knee complaints respectively.
Foley had been a regular in midfield up until he missed Town’s clash at Cambridge United while Sordell has only played one game since joining on loan, managing 65 minutes against Colchester United on February 2.
“Sam Foley is a combative midfield player and his game is based on getting around the pitch, getting around the opposition and making good decisions in attack and defensively,” said Curle. “He can also score goals.
“Marvin Sordell is mentally in a good place and physically in a good place. He’s back on the grass and he’s had some injections. He’s had two and he’s got one more to have and he’s pleased with the results.
“Both of those players are on the field and they’re both naturally fit lads so I’m hoping within a week or 10 days they’ll be available for selection and they’ll increase the competition.”
Turnbull impressed in midfield at Tranmere and Lincoln recently but surprisingly missed out on Saturday, as did Facey who was expected to be fit despite being forced off at Sincil Bank last week with a thigh strain.
Curle added: “Jordan Turnbull and Shay Facey are also good characters with good ability and they’ll be a welcome return when they’re back available.
“It’ll create competition whereby players will know that if they don’t do their jobs, there’s someone waiting in the wings looking for an opportunity.”
George Cox also remains sidelined with ankle ligament damage.
Legendary Manchester band Happy Mondays will bring their Greatest Hits Tour to the Roadmender in Northampton in December as part of a mammoth 29-date UK tour.
The band’s classic line up of frontman Shaun Ryder, Bez, Rowetta, Gary Whelan, Paul Ryder, Mark Day and Dan Broad will be playing all their timeless hits, such as Step On, Kinky Afro, Hallelujah, W.F.L., Loose Fit, Judge Fudge and 24-Hour Party People, among many others.
After signing to Tony Wilson’s Factory Records, the late 1980s saw the Happy Mondays become the pioneers of the 'Madchester' sound, as they blended their love of funk, rock, psychedelia and house with the sounds of the UK’s emerging rave scene.
The band’s third album, 1990’s platinum-selling Pills 'n' Thrills and Bellyaches, led to the Happy Mondays crossing over into the mainstream to become icons of Britain’s biggest cultural phenomenon for a generation.
Happy Mondays frontman, Shaun Ryder, said: “Be great to be back out on the road with Happy Mondays for some pre-Christmas partying. Looking forward to playing all the hits and more at these shows.”
Bez said: “Really excited and looking forward to the Happy Mondays tour - can't wait to do some freaky dancing.”
Rowetta added: “I’m really looking forward to this tour, almost 30 years since I first got on stage with the Mondays.
“The band and the fans are like family to me and I still love singing these songs as much as I did in 1990.”
In 2016, the Happy Mondays won the Ivor Novello’s Inspiration Award, further cementing their reputation as one of Britain’s most influential and loved bands.
The tour begins on October 23 in Inverness and ends on December 21 in Lincoln. Happy Mondays bring their greatest hits tour to the Northampton Roadmender on Friday, December 13.
Tickets cost £35 in advance before fees.
There is a pre-sale on Wednesday, February 20, at 10am via the Roadmender website before tickets go on general sale on Friday, February 22 at 10am.
For more details, visit www.alttickets.com/happy-mondays-tickets
Richard Gill MBA, a graduate from the University of Northampton and founder of his business Drone Defence, has developed a state-of-the-art way to keep drone deliveries out of prison.
His invention, SkyFence, is an electronic countermeasures system which prevents drones from flying into or close to a protected location by disrupting its command and navigation radio transmissions.
SkyFence has already been deployed at Guernsey Prison and has received Government backing in the House of Commons by prisons minister Rory Stewart.
It has been created as a countermeasure in the face of the rising threat of drug smuggling through drones into prisons.
It also comes after drones have brought Gatwick and Heathrow Airport to a standstill on multiple occasions in recent months.
Richard said: "Drones are fantastic tools when used responsibly but, like many things, the technology can be abused to cause harm such as smuggling contraband into prisons.
"SkyFence is an elegant solution to help protect prisons from illegal drone use. Our system in Guernsey is the first of its kind in the world and is in high demand. We are now working with Government to see how we can deploy it in the UK.”
According to a report by Grand View Research, Inc, the global anti-drone market size is anticipated to reach $1.85 billion by 2024.
Richard said: “Drone Defence has grown, in terms of status, revenue and technology. We have positioned ourselves as a thought leader, as well as a capability and equipment provider for a whole range of companies. We are in a very early-stage market at the moment – so the major money isn’t being released on drones as yet by the bigger corporations.
“But we saw the drone incidents at Gatwick and Heathrow recently, and that has definitely woken the main market up to the threats that can be posed and now more budget is being allocated to this technology.”