Alex Waller admits Saints' trophy win has been 'a long time coming'.

And the co-captain has emphasised his pride in how the club's young players have performed this season.

Waller lifted his first piece of silverware since sharing the captaincy with Dylan Hartley as Saints beat Saracens 23-9 in the Premiership Rugby Cup final on Sunday.

It was a huge display from the black, green and gold as they picked up their first piece of silverware under the stewardship of boss Chris Boyd.

It was Saints' first first-team trophy win since Waller scored the winning try in the Premiership final success against Saracens at Twickenham in May 2014.

And the prop said: "It's fantastic and it feels like it's been a long time coming.

"The young lads have stepped up this season and Sunday's display showed it.

"Boydy's given the young lads confidence and told them that if you play well, you'll get a shot.

"They've taken their opportunities and credit to them."

Saints refused to let Saracens score a single try on Sunday, instead restricting them to just three Max Malins penalties.

And Waller added: "It's always a confidence booster, especially against Saracens.

"Any side they put out is going to be decent and I'm really proud of how the boys defended with each of their lives.

"There's plenty we can take from this win but there's also plenty to learn so we'll enjoy it and then assess it this week."

Joe Gilbert has spent three years fighting back to fitness after a horrific accident on the Swirral Edge ridge in March 2016. Now, after undergoing 11 operations, he is joining a group of friends on a cycle ride to Paris in support of the volunteer rescuers who went to his aid.
Mr Gilbert, who grew up in Oundle and whose family owns the Beans Coffee Stop in the town, was walking on Helvellyn, in the Lake District, when he fell 200m.
He said: “I broke my neck, kneecap, ankle, foot, shoulder, hand and most of my ribs. I also dislocated an ankle and shoulder and collapsed a lung.
“Over the next eight hours, the Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team somehow managed to keep me alive on the side of the freezing cold mountain.
“It took two helicopters, 19 Patterdale members and countless hours of medical and practical experience to save my life. Without them I simply wouldn’t be here.”
During the next two years, Mr Gilbert had “countless hours of physio” and eventually went back to visit the team at Patterdale to say thank you.
“It was a very humbling day,” he said. “The team is driven, dedicated, knowledgeable and seriously hardworking. The amount of their free time they give to help others is incredible.”
Mr Gilbert, who now lives in London, will be joined on his ride by former Prince William School friends Ben Norwell and Simon Felton, from Oundle, Olly Cogan from Northampton, and George Cliff from London, plus Matt Randell, from Crewe.
They will set off on Saturday, May 11 and aim to complete the ride within four days, raising as much funds as they can to buy equipment for the mountain rescue team which is run by volunteers and relies on donations.
Anyone wishing to donate to his cause can visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/joe-gilbert3

The following people have been sentenced at magistrates courts in the county:

Brendon Herburt Tafadzwo Muchikange

Pennine Close, Corby. Age: 19

On 19/01/2018 in Dryden Street, Kettering, assaulted a female by beating her.

Verdict: Guilty.

On 22/02/2017 in Shelley Road, Kettering, without lawful excuse, damaged a bathroom door intending to destroy or damage such property or being reckless as to whether such property would be destroyed or damaged.

Plea: Guilty. To participate in Building Better Relationships programme for 60 days, restraining order prohibits defendant from contacting victim. This order lasts until 29/01/2020. To pay compensation of £315, surcharge to fund victim services of £85, costs of £20.

Matthew Ruddick

c/o South Brook Close, Corby. Age: 30

On 26/12/2018 in Kettering, without lawful excuse, damaged a window intending to destroy or damage such property or being reckless as to whether such property would be destroyed or damaged.

Plea: Guilty. Defendant to be placed under a curfew for three months with electronic monitoring, to participate in Building Better Relationships programme for 60 days, restraining order prohibits defendant from 1) contacting a named person 2) visiting an address in Kettering. This order lasts until 29/01/2021. To pay compensation of £200, surcharge to fund victim services of £85, costs of £85.

John Mullan

Woodfield Grove, Corby. Age: 34

On 18/12/2018 in Corby damaged a marked police vehicle intending to destroy or damage such property or being reckless as to whether such property would be destroyed or damaged; with intent to cause Special Constable Button harassment, alarm or distress, used threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour or disorderly behaviour, thereby causing that person or another harassment, alarm or distress; on 09/01/2019 failed without reasonable cause to surrender to custody at Northamptonshire Magistrates’ Court, having been released on bail.

Plea: Guilty.

To pay compensation of £75, fined £330, surcharge to fund victim services of £30, costs of £85.

Andrew Geoffrey Jay Burgess

Culross Walk, Corby. Age: 40

On 02/01/2019 attempted to enter as a trespasser a building in Purbeck Drive, Corby, with intent to steal.

Plea: Guilty. Jailed for 18 weeks suspended for 12 months, to pay a surcharge to fund victim services of £115, costs of £85, order made to deprive the defendant of his tools used in this offence and seized by the police.

Richard James Pateman

Milton Road, Corby. Age: 26

On 06/08/2017 in Corby, assaulted a female, thereby occasioning her actual bodily harm.

Verdict: Guilty. To carry out Thinking Skills Programme for 30 days, carry out unpaid work for 150 hours, pay a surcharge to fund victim services of £85, costs of £500.

Aaron Luke Muggleton

HMP Peterborough. Age: 25

On 23/09/2018 without lawful excuse, damaged glass in a door to the value of £100 at Abacus nightclub, Kettering, intending to destroy or damage such property or being reckless as to whether such property would be destroyed or damaged.

Plea: Guilty. To pay compensation of £100.

Tyrone Isaac Peter Sanders

Kent Road, Wellingborough. Age: 27

On 12/12/2018 stole a bottle of Barefoot Rose Wine, worth £5.99, from B&M Stores, Wellingborough; with intent to cause PCSO Asante harassment, alarm or distress used threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour or disorderly behaviour thereby causing that or another person harassment, alarm or distress and the offence was racially aggravated; on 02/12/2018 stole a bottle of rose wine, to the value of £5, from B&M Stores, Wellingborough;

On 28/11/2018 stole a bottle of wine from One Stop Stores, Wellingborough; on 05/11/2018 stole a bottle of wine, to the value of £4.99, from Bargain Booze, Wellingborough; on 07/11/2018 in Wellingborough assaulted a male by beating him;

On 23/07/2018 stole two chocolate Kit Kats, to the value of £1, from the Best Pol Store, Wellingborough; without lawful excuse, damaged a glazed door to the value of £500 belonging to Best Pol Store, intending to destroy or damage such property or being reckless as to whether such property would be destroyed or damaged;

On 23/07/2018 in Northampton, assaulted PC Leigh Goodwin in the execution of her duty; in Wellingborough assaulted a female by beating her;

On 03/09/2018 in Gold Street, Northampton, assaulted SC Kimberley in the execution of his duty; assaulted PC Johnson in the execution of his duty.

Plea: Guilty.

Jailed for 22 weeks, to pay compensation of £300.

Alan John Campbell

Winstanley Road, Wellingborough. Age: 38

On 21/01/2019 drove Vauxhall in Mill Road, Wellingborough, after consuming so much alcohol that the proportion of it in your breath, namely 50mcg of alcohol in 100ml of breath, exceeded the prescribed limit; without insurance; without a licence.

Plea: Guilty. Fined £150, surcharge to fund victim services of £30, costs of £85, banned from driving for 15 months.

Mantas Ramanauskas

Neale Avenue, Kettering. Age: 22

On 06/01/2019 drove a silver BMW in Neale Avenue, Kettering, after consuming so much alcohol that the proportion of it in your breath, namely 127mcg of alcohol to 100ml of breath, exceeded the prescribed limit; without insurance; without a licence.

Plea: Guilty. Jailed for 15 weeks suspended for 18 months, to carry out unpaid work for 250 hours, pay a surcharge to fund victim services of £115, costs of £85, banned from driving for 30 months.

Thomas Joseph Corcoran

Minerva Way, Wellingborough. Age: 38

On 05/10/2018 stole tote boxes to the value of about £450 belonging to River Island, Rushden Lakes.

Plea: Guilty. Discharged conditionally for 12 months, to pay compensation of £450, surcharge to fund victim services of £20, costs of £85.

Dean Mains

Swinburne Road, Wellingborough. Age: 37

On 03/12/2018 drove a Seat in Main Road, Wilby, while banned from driving; without insurance.

Plea: Guilty. Fined £450, surcharge to fund victim services of £45, costs of £85, driving licence endorsed with six points.

Paul Stanley Fred Bailey

c/o Charles Street, Wellingborough. Age: 49

On 19/01/2019 drove a blue Fiat Scudo on the A45, Great Doddington, after consuming so much alcohol that the proportion of it in your breath, namely 84mcg of alcohol in 100ml of breath, exceeded the prescribed limit; without insurance.

Plea: Guilty.

To have treatment for alcohol dependency for six months, pay a surcharge to fund victim services of £85, costs of £85, banned from driving for 40 months.

Alexander Guy Harrald

The Headlands, Market Harborough Age: 30

On 19/01/2019 without lawful authority or reasonable excuse had with you in a public place, namely Silver Street, Kettering, an offensive weapon, namely a small vegetable knife.

Plea: Guilty. Jailed for 26 weeks suspended for 18 months, to participate in thinking skills programme for 19 days, to pay a surcharge to fund victim services of £115, costs of £85, order made to deprive the defendant of his small vegetable knife.

Grimsby Town manager Michael Jolley was pleased with the way his side nullified Northampton as an attacking force during Saturday’s clash at Blundell Park, describing the 0-0 draw as a ‘fair result’.

The Mariners headed into the game on a three-match losing run, beaten 4-1 by Tranmere Rovers in midweek, but they stopped the rot on a wind-swept afternoon in Lincolnshire.

Grimsby had a couple of half chances in the first-half but they were penned in by the Cobblers for much of the second 45 minutes, though the visitors too struggled to create clear-cut opportunities.

Whilst Town jump back up to 11th in Sky Bet League Two with 52 points, Grimsby are 16th and four points worse off as both teams, now safe from relegation, chase a top-half finish this season.

“I think it was a fair result,” said Jolley, whose side have only drawn six games this season, 10 fewer than Northampton. “The conditions made the game extremely difficult for both teams, and it’s not an excuse but it was a fairly poor spectacle overall – the conditions made a big part in that.

“Northampton have a particular style of play and if ever there’s a day that you don’t want to play against a team who plays in that way then it’s probably when the conditions are like that.

“It made it difficult to get any real rhythm or flow to our game – there were pockets of play from us in the first-half where we were able to connect with each other, move the ball, and try and get in between them.

“But the second-half was more difficult because the wind was basically blowing in our direction, so they were able to establish territory, and it became difficult for us to get out because the wind was so strong.

“But after three games where we haven’t picked up points – to get a clean sheet and deal with all the balls that were thrown into our box, and to produce some good play in the first-half is something to build on.

“Of course from a confidence perspective you don’t want to go too long without picking up points, and we wanted to win the game today, but if you can’t win it you don’t get beaten.

“We haven’t done that often enough this season, so it’s one of our few draws and we take it and move forward.”

Devil May leave you Crying for more...

I have been left disenchanted having reviewed the disappointing Anthem and the utterly woeful Left Alive ion recent weeks. This week my faith in video games has been fully restored thanks to Devil May Cry 5.

The legendary action-adventure hack and slash series from Capcom is back with a fifth installment of the mainline franchise.

And my goodness is it bloody brilliant.

The game sees the return of Dante and Nero as playable characters, along with a new character, named “V”.

DMC5 stays true to the series’ roots and delivers fast-paced, pulsating gorgeous action. You must fight off hordes of demons with a plethora of attacks and crazy weaponry set to a bespoke musical score depending on how you are faring in your battles and how stylish your gameplay is.

And with an industry best combat system it won’t be long until your attacking prowess resembles a work of art.

If Capcom could bottle the DMC5 combat system up it would age like a fine wine. It is simply perfect.

Layering all the best bits about the old tried and trusted DMC combat system with new ideas and elements has paid off massively and 
plays seamlessly.

V is a superb addition to the roster and gives hardcore fans of the series another avenue to explore.

I recently reviewed Bio Ware’s much-hyped Anthem where disappointing boss fights were indicative of this flop of a game.

In DMC5 they are the blessed crescendo of thrilling action they should be and provide a stern test of the skills you hone as you fight off a wide variety of terrifying beasts.

The combat is so fluid, so rich in detail and so gob-smackingly beautiful it keeps you gripped on this white knuckle ride from beginning to end.

The storyline - as ever- is on point and engrossing for newcomers and the hardcore alike.

This is big spectacle gaming at its best and is even an enjoyable watch for those not playing. The reception DMC 5 has received as been universally positive and rightly so.

There are a couple of small gripes mainly to do with the Cameo System - DMC5’s multiplayer element - as it just feels a bit of an afterthought.

But truth be told that does little to spoil the overall experience.

This is without doubt the best Devil May Cry game to date. Boasting series, genre and industry best combat mechanics the foundations are there to see this carry over to the next generation of consoles from 2021.

The pace, beauty, music, look and feel are surpassed only by the immense detail and depth to this beautifully-crafted game.

When you add the forthcoming FREE DLC - Bloody Palace - to the mix there will be plenty to keep your interest long after you have completed it.

It’s not a spa where masses arrive by the bus-load, nor is it a place where you can hear your cutlery and plate clink for awkward dining room silence. Staff were diligent enough to learn our first names and knew what we had booked in.

Don’t get me wrong it’s a spa built around bringing back the art of conversation. And whether that conversation be had in the library, by the fire or in the pool, well that’s up to you. If you’re one for having your face in your phone then perhaps think again about a nights stay here.

Peace and quiet is at the heart of this house. Restorative and grown up rejuvenation. Fine food for the stomach, a 10-acre setting to restore the mind and a year-old spa to soothe the soul.

Our booking was for two. Upon arrival, we were immediately shown to our suite by the general manager, Nick Hanson, which was a pleasant touch. Nick was appointed as general manager at Mallory Court Country House Hotel and Spa, in Warwickshire, in January this year after leaving his position at The Idle Rocks and St Mawes Hotel in Cornwall.

The room we had was in the 103-year-old house, where old met new. The room left you wanting for nothing. It had more snacks on arrival than you could shake a stick at and a super Queen size bed, one that’s perfect for not detecting, or hearing, your partner. As well as this, there was stunning views of the countryside, from the front of the room, for as far as the eye could see.

The 43-bedroom hotel, close to Leamington Spa, has recently been awarded four AA Red Stars and has been a member of Relais & Châteaux since 1983, offering guests 'exceptional levels of service and warm hospitality'.

After settling in at 3pm lunch was on our mind: Croque Madame. Slightly less formal than our three course meal at dinner but by no means lacking in flavour.

The hotels' dining options include flagship restaurant The Dining Room, overseen by head chef Paul Evans, who sources local and home-grown ingredients, and impressively grows some ingredients on site.

The main meal couldn’t be faulted. Starters was salt baked heritage beetroot, mains was cod, and pudding was vanilla custard tart, broken up by an amuse-bouche and topped off by macaroons. A real, romantic treat set by a roaring log fire.

After making sure we cheekily stayed in our idyllic room for as long as reception would allow us to the following morning, it was time to eat once again - a full English breakfast, the type with perfect, golden poached eggs - followed by hitting the spa.

Recent developments at the hotel include the state-of-the-art Elan Spa, which includes 12 spa bedrooms, which opened in 2017 - the first spa to be built in Warwickshire for 10 years.

Treatment includes an outdoor vitality pool, glazed outdoor sauna, Rhassoul mud room, seven treatment rooms, indoor hydro pool, sauna, steam room and gym.

Me and the other half indulged in the half-an-hour Rhassoul treatment - a traditional Arabian body treatment involving steam and mineral-rich mud in a private steam room. This was welcomed with open arms, as well as a longed for dip in the pool, as my self-induced hangover kicked in.

Overall, our nights stay at Mallory was the perfect cure to a hectic working week, made all the better for it's stunning scenery, top service and indulgent food.

While you may have to tighten your purse strings to save up and stay here I would rush back for some posh, romantic peace and quiet.

Some of the top names in Northamptonshire’s famous footwear industry will feature in a ‘shoe-case’ of talent to celebrate over a century of a trade group.

In honour of its 120th Birthday celebrations, the British Footwear Association (BFA) will showcase shoes and boots from some of the country’s most revered manufacturers, many based in the north of Northamptonshire.

The BFA has drawn together 11 of the county’s most renowned manufacturers for a one off display of examples of their exquisite work.

Loakes, Grenson, NPS, Airwair, Cheaney, Barkers, Church’s, Trickers, Jeffery West, Sanders & Sanders and Crockett & Jones are among the names featured in the ‘shoe-case’ taking place on Thursday, March 28 in the library of Delapre Abbey, Northampton.

William Church, Joint MD of Desborough-based Cheaney Shoes and a BFA board member said: “Northamptonshire has a long and rich history in the very best of shoemaking for which it has global recognition and strong growth prospects.”

Mr Church, who has submitted a Balmoral boot, made famous by the cast of Peaky Blinders, added: “It is great that the BFA have chosen to celebrate their 120th

Anniversary with a show case of amazing shoes, each with their own story to tell.”

The event launches the BFA’s 120th Birthday celebrations and unites members to celebrate the special anniversary at the Northamptonshire Manufacturers’ Dinner.

BFA chairman Robert Perkins added: “Seeing these amazing shoes, by the finest and most talented craftsman, displayed together for the first time is the perfect start to the anniversary celebrations; they show the depth of the county shoe making skills and the power of these famous brands, who export around the world.”

A brand new members-only enclosure at this year’s Kelmarsh Country Show will offer VIP access to visitors this Easter for the first time.

A private bar, premium toilets and the best view of the Realtree Main Arena are just some of the added benefits on offer for members at the event in the grounds of Kelmarsh Hall.

Also new for 2019 at the show, which aims to showcase the best in country life, are a host of interactive animal displays, a cookery demonstration zone and a craft tent.

“The all-new Members Enclosure promises a real treat for all those who sign up with an abundance of features that will go a long way to ensure your weekend is as enjoyable and comfortable as possible,” says Nathan White, marketing manager at Countryman Fairs, which runs a number of award-winning events across the UK.

“Along with access into the Kelmarsh Country Show, members can enjoy forward parking and access to the enclosure, which offers both indoor and outdoor seating as well as superb views of the arena.

“For those wanting to dine with us, breakfast and lunch can be offered as an added extra too; the perfect stop-off for those wanting to sit back and catch up over some good food.”

The Kelmarsh Country Show, which takes place on Sunday, 21 April, and Monday, 22 April, boasts a family-inspired line-up of fun activities, live demonstrations, have-a-go features and sporting championship qualifiers, as well as the chance to browse more than 200 stalls selling country-inspired goods.

A live performance from the Red Devil Parachute Display Team tops the bill in the Realtree Main Arena, along with jaw-dropping stunts from the Squibb Motocross Stunt team, a strongman competition and a spectacular fire show.

Kelmarsh welcomes its new Interactive Arena too, with displays by Ridgeside Falconry and Gamegoer Gundogs, the Little Nippers terrier show, the K9 Quackers sheepdog and duck herding display and a superb hound parade to entertain the little ones. Elsewhere, a dedicated kids’ zone offers younger children everything from face-painting, balloon-modelling and circus whizz fun, to a giant games arena, ferret racing, a mini farm and much more.

And foodies will love the new chefs’ demo area, which will be home to professional chefs Rachel Green, Pete Gott, Jose Souto and Alan Coxon.

If you’re on the lookout for something different to entertain the whole family this Easter, the show also includes a new club tent offering crafts and rural pastimes to discover, a pet dog arena, lots of gundogs and a vintage section, as well as the return of the Folk Roots Festival.

If you’re interested in becoming a member, prices start at £30 for an adult one-day membership, while two-day membership costs £50.

For more information and to book tickets, see Kelmarsh Country Show.

A nurse found guilty of murdering her disabled husband by injecting him with insulin is set for a new fight to clear her name.

Deborah Winzar, 54, was jailed for life at Birmingham Crown Court in 2000 after being convicted of the murder of 34-year-old Dominic McCarthy, the manager of the Kingfisher Centre in Bretton, Peterborough.

But her case has been referred to the Court of Appeal by the Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC), which investigates possible miscarriages of justice.

Her lawyers are due to present evidence from medical experts, which indicates Mr McCarthy may have died from sepsis, at a hearing on Monday.

Mr McCarthy, who was paralysed in a motorcycle accident in 1984, was found collapsed in his bed at the couple’s home in Stonely, Cambridgeshire, on January 31 1997.

He lapsed into a coma and died in Hinchingbrooke Hospital in Huntingdon on February 9.

Tests revealed Mr McCarthy had had a very high insulin level and the prosecution case was that his wife had the opportunity to administer it, and the skills to inject it.

Winzar, then a senior ward sister at Kettering General Hospital, denied any wrongdoing and maintained he must have died of natural causes but was found guilty by a jury of murder.

A previous challenge to her conviction was dismissed by the Court of Appeal in December 2002 and she applied to the CCRC in June 2005.

The CCRC previously said it considers that the new evidence “gives rise to a real possibility” that her conviction will be quashed.

Winzar, who has been released from prison, is due to have her appeal heard by three senior judges.

Cash-strapped Northamptonshire County Council is proposing to reduce the amount it pays to nurseries and childminders in a bid to reduce £1.8m from its early years payments.

Early years providers are up in arms about the proposal which comes in the midst of an 18-month ongoing payment fiasco which has seen the county authority underpaying hundreds of businesses and childminders by thousands of pounds after failing to work a new payment system.

The authority says it has overspent by £1.5m in its early years budget this year and should have reduced subsidies before now.

The authority, whose children’s services is being overseen by a Government-appointed children’s commissioner and has a new head of service, says if it does not make reduce the amount it gives to early years providers it will go £1.8m over budget in 2019/20.

It is proposing from April to reduce the amount of subsidies it pays to providers which provide what are seen as extras such as ‘quality’, given to those childminders or nurseries whose staff have certain qualifications. This could save the council £1m. There are also plans to cut the amount given in subsidies to those who look after children from deprived areas and also a special educational needs subsidy.

Childminder Lynn Haycocks, from Great Oakley, said the news has come as a big shock to early years providers as before the proposal was made public it had been thought a drop in subsidies may have been countered by a rise in the basis rate.

Former teacher Lynn receives an extra 50p per hour on top of the £3.66 per hour basic rate.

The proposal is to either remove this subsidy completely or cut it by half or more.

She said: “Working it out generally I am going to lose £600 a year just thinking the figures through quickly with three children on funded. What about nurseries?”

A report to be discussed by the schools forum being held in Northampton later today (March 18) says: “With the information we now have available it is clear early years costs including early years single funding formula payments to early years providers should have been reduced for the 2018- 19 financial year.

“This did not take place which is why the overspend is occurring in 2018-19 and will continue unless action is taken.

“The local authority is aware of the significant impact of the proposed changes, but in 2018-19 we are spending more than the government grant that we are receiving. This is not sustainable.

“If continued it would require cuts in schools or high needs budgets and services or a LA contribution which is also unlikely.”

The proposal will see the base rate of £3.66 per hour per child aged three to four stay the same. The £5.10 hourly rate for two-year-olds will also stay the same.

There are 601 early years providers in Northants who between them look after 10,453 under-fives.

The schools forum, which is made up of nurseries, teachers and schools representatives, will decide whether to back the proposal at the meeting today.

Peter Holman, his partner Lily and their five-month-old baby lived next door to the now burnt-out flat above the Krates Local shop in Kingsley Park Terrace and have been made homeless as a result of the fire.

Firefighters had to knock a hole through the wall in Mr Holman's flat to get into next door and extinguish the fire on Friday, which broke out at 10.30pm.

As a result, many items of clothing and furniture belonging to Mr Holman and his family became waterlogged and smoke damaged.

Since Saturday, the family have been staying in a hostel and after receiving various offers of beds and furniture, which they couldn't physically accept, Mr Holman started a fundraiser on Facebook, which has already reached its £1,000 target.

Northamptonshire fire service say 'no one injured' in last night's blaze in Northampton

"We don't have many friends and family around us here," said 36-year-old Mr Holman, a senior healthcare worker.

"We had so many offers from people coming forward with beds and sofas.

"Everyone was insisting on helping us."

He added: "We are blown away, just lost for words.

"We've been taken aback."

The family have lost numerous items of clothing though were able to recover some personal effects such as pictures.

Mr Holman says the money will go towards new clothes and furniture for their new home, which Northampton Borough Council is helping them find.

Cobblers loanees Billy Waters and Joe Bunney both endured frustrating weekends for their respective clubs.

Waters lasted 87 minutes on his 11th appearance for Cheltenham since re-signing on loan in January as they were beaten 1-0 at Newport County on Friday night. The victory temporarily moved Newport above Town in League Two before the Cobblers drew at Grimsby on Saturday.

Cheltenham are due to host Northampton at Whaddon Road this weekend but Waters will be ineligible due to an agreement between the clubs when he signed on loan.

Defender Bunney was denied the opportunity play on Saturday when Rochdale’s League One game at Accrington was one of several that fell foul of the weather, postponed because of a waterlogged pitch.

Northampton’s young players were out and about playing for their various non-league clubs.

Camron McWilliams and Jack Newell both featured for Corby Town in their 5-2 win over North Leigh in the Evo-Stik Southern League, while Wellingborough Town had Bradley Lashley and Jack Daldy in their ranks for a 1-1 draw with Leicester Nirvana,

Matthew Slinn started for Cogenhoe United who drew 2-2 with Boston Town, with Joe Jarvis selected on the bench, while fellow Cobblers youngster Ryan Hughes was named in the St Neots Town side for a 3-1 defeat to Lowestoft.

Last but not least, striker Joe Iaciofano played for Banbury United in their 4-0 defeat at Tamworth.

One of these survey questions was to rate the 'experience of making an appointment'. Below are the Northampton surgeries that scored the highest and are among the top 15 in the town.

Saturday’s 0-0 draw with Grimsby Town was viewed as ‘two points dropped’ by the Cobblers dressing room, according to midfielder Sam Foley.

Town came up short in their quest to notch a fifth successive victory at Blundell Park as they were blunted by both their opponents Grimsby and an incredibly strong wind that swept across the ground throughout.

After an even first-half, the Cobblers dominated the second, at least in terms of possession, but the final shot count - one on target apiece - tells the story of a mostly incident-free afternoon as Town’s play-off hopes suffered a setback.

“We see it as two points dropped,” said Foley. “Everyone was disappointed in the dressing room and it was quite refreshing for the gaffer to come in and see how down everyone was considering we’ve come away from home and got a point.

“The conditions were certainly a leveller and it was going to come down to which team could fight the most.

“I think we dominated the second-half but there wasn’t much quality out there and it could have gone either way.

“The lads are a bit disappointed that we didn’t really trouble them and we know we’re a lot better than we showed, but it’s a point and we’ll take it.”

Goalkeeper David Cornell was once again hardly tested en route to his fourth clean sheet in six games.

“I think it was a fight,” he said. “It probably wasn’t the best of games to watch but it’s another clean sheet for us and we’ll take that as a positive going into the next game.”

Town did have some dangerous moments in Grimsby’s penalty box but their best two chances fell to centre-backs Aaron Pierre and Ash Taylor, who both failed to hit the target.

“We said that in the changing room,” Cornell added. “Wouldn’t be great if Andy Williams or Marv (Sordell) was on the end of those? Sometimes they drop to the wrong people.

“But our centre-halves are good on the ball and that one with Ash, I was expecting it to nestle into the top corner! Unfortunately it didn’t but we’ll take the clean sheet into next week.”

At around 10.50am on Wednesday, February 20, a shopper at Morrisons supermarket in Kettering Road, Northampton, was approached in the car park by a man who distracted her by asking for directions to the hospital.

While she spoke to him, a second man took her purse from her bag, which she had placed in her car.

A police spokeswoman said: "It is believed the woman had been observed entering her PIN while paying for her shopping, as her bank card was then used to take out cash at several ATMs in the town."

The men pictured, or anyone who recognises them, are asked to contact Northamptonshire Police on 101, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

Between 6.45pm and 7.15pm on Wednesday, March 13, a property in Mead Road was broken into, with items of jewellery stolen.

Two men wearing dark clothing were seen in the area at the time, one wearing a grey hooded top.

Witnesses and anyone with information about this incident are asked to contact Northamptonshire Police on 101, or Crimestoppers in confidence on 0800 555111.

Police said 18-year-old Lewis Buckley from Windmill Street in Runcorn, Cheshire, appeared at Northampton Magistrates’ Court on Friday, March 15, in relation to the incident.

He was remanded into custody ahead of his next court appearance.

A protest by Extinction Rebellion Northampton halted cars on St Peter's Way over the weekend March 16 by stretching a banner across the eastbound road for an hour.

They were also spotted spraying liquid chalk on the glass front of HSBC in Abington Street, delivering a speech by megaphone on the steps of the Guildhall and carrying a coffin with 'our future' written on the side.

The group say the 'civil disobedience' was to protest climate change and called on Northampton Borough Council to declare an 'ecological emergency' in the town.

A spokesman for the group said there were mixed reactions to the activists and said many motorists on St Peter's Way 'beeped horns, shouted insults' and asked the police to arrest them.

Northamptonshire Police tweeted to say they were working with the group to help manage the 'peaceful protest' on Saturday morning.

Nick Cooper, who was part of the Extinction Rebellion' march, said: "There were plenty of negative reactions but that’s kind of the point.

"In an emergency people need to get upset. That raw emotion and anger about having our way of life disrupted is what creates the space for people to begin talking about the climate and ecological emergency."

The group says they received support in Abington Street following the School Strike for Climate last week, which saw schools walk out to protest climate change.

The group called on the borough council to 'enact legally binding measures to reduce carbon emissions to net zero by 2025' and declare a climate emergency.

Extinction Rebellion Northampton say that they plan to hold more protests locally in the near future and have plans to reach out to more students on campus.

Judges for the 2019 awards have whittled the candidates down to 12 buildings across the East Midlands, with Northampton international Academy in Barrack Road and the Learning Hub at the University of Northampton's Waterside Campus both making the final.

Sam Culling, chair of East Midlands RIBA said: “The quality and range of the schemes selected, including several by regionally-based practices, is testament to the exemplary standard of architecture that this region has to offer.”

The Northampton International Academy took on the derelict Royal Mail sorting office and the transformation dreamed up by architects Architecture Initiative has impressed the judges.

With a floor area of 22,000 sq metres the main mass of the existing building remains largely unchanged except for the sports hall that has been inserted into the former rooftop courtyard.

But the award citation praises the fact the existing concrete 'waffle-slab' structure has been used and exposed.

It says: "Vast voids were formed through the existing concrete waffle slab to bring daylight deep into the interior and provide open vertical circulation and visual links between floors."

"New windows in the façades create naturally bright and well-ventilated classrooms."

Open 24 hours a day, the university's Learning Hub is at the heart of the new Waterside Campus and houses the library, shared general teaching areas, specialists’ skills spaces, student administration, academic workspaces and catering.

It's citation says MCW Architects have achieved a beautiful link between the campus and Becket's Park.

It says: "Its openness and transparency connect the riverside through to the centre of the campus and makes teaching and learning highly visible."

Cobblers youngster Morgan Roberts has been called up to the Wales Under-21 squad for a training camp this week.

The academy product, who is still eligible for under-18s football, will join up with the Welsh for the camp on Tuesday (March 19), and will stay with them until Friday.

He will then rejoin the Cobblers squad and be available for selection for Saturday’s Sky Bet League Two trip to Cheltenham Town.

Wales U21s are managed by former Cobblers boss Rob Page.

Northampton-born Roberts has risen through the ranks at Town, and was handed a senior contract last summer by then boss Dean Austin.

He has featured four times for the first team this season, with three substitute appearances in the league, and one in the Checkatrade Trophy.

Roberts, who has also been an unused substitute on a number of occasions this term, said on Twitter: “Honoured to be called up for Wales for the first time and to the U21’s training camp. Very excited to get started.”

Cobblers manager Keith Curle is remaining tight-lipped on whether or not he intends to hand out a new contract to in-form midfielder Sam Foley, whose current deal runs out at the end of the season.

The 32-year-old joined Northampton from Port Vale 18 months ago but he made just 18 starts in a stop-start, injury-affected first season for the club, however he’s enjoying a much better campaign this time around.

A regular for Curle, he’s already made 11 more starts this term – 32 appearances in all – and his consistent performances in central midfield have some arguing he should be in the frame to win the club’s Player of the Year award.

But, only just back from five weeks out with a back injury, Foley’s future beyond the end of the season remains up in the air, and following another good showing during Saturday’s goalless draw with Grimsby Town, Curle was giving little away.

“Sam’s a player that has come back into the team recently and he’s regaining his fitness levels and regaining his form,” said the Town boss.

“He’s given himself an opportunity to stake his case for a new contract and we get to the end of the season we’ll have the conversion with him.

“Likewise, he’s still very much in the shop window. If a contract can’t be agreed here, then he’s doing what he needs to do to give himself the best opportunity to get a contract elsewhere.”

Foley’s burgeoning partnership with defender-turned-midfielder Jordan Turnbull has been a key part of Northampton’s recent improved form, and they were again impressive on Saturday when their industrious, hard-working performances in midfield helped the Cobblers keep a fourth clean sheet in six games at Blundell Park.

“The clean sheet was pleasing and Jordan and Sam gave us the backbone of the team and again I thought we were solid,” Curle added.

“Jordan did what he needed to do. He was in the right areas, it was more of a case of him plugging holes and filling gaps and as the game wore on, I thought his use of the ball became better and better.

“We knew we’d be able get good advantage of the ball and use the ball in the full-back areas. First-half we didn’t do it early enough well enough but we did it better in the second-half.”