Several burglaries being carried out by armed burglars are being linked by police in Northamptonshire.

Officers from Northamptonshire Police are asking people to be vigilant following a spate of break-ins in Northamptonshire.

These have often taken place in the late evenings, in rural or quiet locations and against elderly victims where cash and jewellery have been stolen.

Victims have reported seeing weapons, on one occasion the offender had a screwdriver and on another a hammer was bought along, although no one has been hurt during the burglaries.

Officers are currently connecting six offences and a further incident where men were seen to be behaving suspiciously, between Thursday, March 26 and Saturday, April 18.

These have taken place across the county including Northampton, Corby, Rushton and Wellingborough.

Detective Sergeant Emma Nealon, from the Organised Crime and Drugs Team, said: “There have been a few offences across the county that we are linking at the moment. While the majority have been in more rural/quiet locations, some have been on the outskirts of busy towns.

“It appears the group are leaving the properties in possibly stolen vehicles which may have the wrong registration plates on.

“We don’t want to alarm people, however, given the nature of these cases, and that in a number of them there have been elderly victims, we want to raise awareness amongst the public and in particular to ask family members and friends to keep an eye on the elderly and advise them appropriately.

“We are carrying out regular patrols in the neighbourhoods and have investigators working to identify the offenders responsible. We would ask members of the public to contact us immediately if they have any information that can help the investigation.”

Anyone with any information can call Northamptonshire Police on 101, or 999 in an emergency. Alternatively, they can call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111

Town hot-rod Steve Ringer is fresh back from Hungary – with yet more international honours to his name!

Staged on a rowing course in that country, the Walterland Masters was fished to full international rules (limited length poles and NO legering or feeders) and attracted some 35 top-class teams from across mainland Europe.

Fished over two days it saw Ringer, fishing for Daiwa Europe – who took team bronze – top his section on day one and second on the other.

With only one man getting a ‘perfect’ score, that left him joint second on points...fourth on weight and just out of the medals.

But a 90 peg individual event next day saw him land 17.670kilo (35-6) and a personal bronze, which was something to show for a journey involving driving more than 40 hours each way.

LAST week’s rocketing temperatures brought the canal up to 15 degrees by midweek, with fish in the Castlethorpe area well on feed!

DATS’s section towards Cosgrove fished a storm for George Mynard in Towcester Vets’ Wednesday do as he won with 16-5 of skimmers.

Gerald Read had 7-15 and Chris Howard 7-11.

And just to the north, on Towcester’s Britannia length, the evening saw Mike Sando (pictured) bag a canal four-hour PB with 13-7 of skimmers, perch and rudd – all on maggot.

There were several other double-figure nets from there south to Bletchley.

STANWICK has been producing a steady run of 20s with Alex Grice banking a 27 from Elsons and Ben Turner a 26 from Mallard. Fish to 24lb are being caught at Drayton, where ‘Chris’ had 12 off the top Sunday morning.

CASTLE Ashby opens: midweek, Brickyard, Gary Millward 29-8, Mick Wheeler 19-14, Bob Reed 17-12; Saturday, Brickyard, Chris Garrett 36-4, Keith Garrett 19-14, Kevin Follwell 19-12; Sunday, Grendon, Steve Shakespeare 54-8, Seb McNicholl 36-12, Reed 32-8.

WHITE Hart Flore, Spring Pools: Geoff Wiggins 45lb, Paul Washbrook 35-8, Ron Collins 24-8.

CASTLE, silverfish league, Canons: Alan West 19-14, Alf Gillard 19-12, Geoff Rice 18lb.

FLORE & Brockhall, Barby Marshes: Steve Smith 19lb, Paul Humphries 17lb, Bert Iles 16lb.

TOWCESTER’s Wappenham Water sweep saw Mick Goodridge with a 2-8 barbel plus roach to 12 ounces for 15-1, John Broughton 6-4, Gerald Green 1-8.

NEWPORT open, Abbey Pits: Paul Abbott 14-4 including a 7-2 bream, Paul Chapman 13lb, Terry Lambert 12-7.

ABINGTON AC, park lake: Dave Panter (first match with club) 12-11, Vince Battams 11-3, rest DNW.

MOBBS Miller, canal, Heyford: Mick Dudley 7-8, Sam Corteze 7-1, Phil Hampton 5-14.

NENE, canal, Grafton: Paul Cowarn 6-15, Paul Minney 6-3, Tosh Saunders 5-13.

FIXTURES: May 3, AT pairs champs qualifier, Nene’s cut Stoke-Yardley 07711 086436 and junior match/come-and-try-session, same section, call Carpin Capers 01604 634115.

Police have arrested a man in Welford on suspicion of cultivating cannabis.

Today officers from Northampton Police revealed they executed a Misuse of Drugs Act warrant at an address in West Street, Welford, on Friday April 17.

They arrested a 46-year-old man on suspicion of cultivation of cannabis. He has since been released on police bail pending further enquiries.

Officers are appealing for witnesses or anyone with any information to call Northamptonshire Police on 101.

Alternatively, they can call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or use the anonymous online form at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.

County golfers Sam Henfrey, Tom Forster, Callum Farr and Ben Jones narrowly missed out on reaching the Faldo Series Grand Final after all four finished on the podium in the England North Championship.

Competing over three rounds at Pleasington Golf Club in Lancashire, Henfrey took the runners-up spot in the under-21s category.

Forster and Farr were second and third respectively in the Under-18s, while Jones came through to grab third place in the under-16s division.

Shires Junior Golf Tour

Shires Junior Golf Tour are set to smash the record for their biggest field when they host the fourth competition of the 2015 season at Brampton Heath on Sunday.

With the 18-hole competitors playing the full course and the high-handicapper going around the short course twice, a total of 86 boys and girls of all ages and abilities have put their names down to play.

With tournaments taking place in Northamptonshire, Bedfordshire and Leicestershire through the season, for more details of how to play on Shires Junior Golf Tour visit wwwshiresjuniorgolftour.co.uk.

County Seniors

A magnificent two on the 235-yard 11th hole helped Kettering’s Graham Jones win the County Seniors Spring Meeting Stableford with 36 points at Cherwell Edge.

As the seniors continue their preparations for the defence of the Anglian League, Jones finished one point ahead of Peterborough Milton’s Ted Dunn, with Milton club-mate Howard Boylan in third.

Collingtree

Andy Castell was successful in the first Order of Merit event of the season as he won the Lombard Trophy Medal with a net 70 in strong winds.

Castell finished two shots ahead of fellow Scratch Team golfer Brendon Moss, with Kevin Larham, Samish Patel and Jon Barnell also shooting net 72 in the second division.

Andrew Mills came out on top on a difficult day for scoring in the Seniors Spring Challenge as he posted the best round of net 76. Alan Justice (77) took the runners-up prize by one from four players.

Northants County

Neil Goodman was victorious in the Duke of York Competition after shooting the leading score of net 68.

Alan Wigley, who compiled the best gross round of 73, was one of three players just one shot off the pace.

Countback was needed in the April Midweek Stableford after Richard Bailey and Roger Street both carded the leading mark of 38 points. The former took the honours.

Overstone Park

Pete Softley recorded his second consecutive victory as he added the Captains Trophy to his top prize in the Easter Egg Stableford from the previous week. The 12-handicapper finished one point ahead of Clive Essen and Dan Fowkes (both 37).

Thirty eight points was also the winning tally in the April Yellow Tee Stableford as Stanlake French beat Arthur Barnard on countback.

Scoring was considerably better in the April Midweek Yellow Tee Stableford as Robert Wilton’s total of 44 points lifted him clear of Peter Thorpe (42), Matt Wake (41) and Steve Hunt (40).

The Ladies Spring Trophy needed countback to decide the winner as Jill Godfrey edged out Sarah Parry on net 76.

Hellidon Lakes

One birdie and seven gross pars were on the winning scorecard of Kevin Lovell in the Jackie Trophy as he beat Paul Upfield by one with 39 points.

Upfield also had to be content with second place in the Novacray Cup the following day as his team’s tally of net 75.6 wasn’t enough to beat Tom Laver’s side (72.8).

Whittlebury

Stephen Herring recorded his first club competition victory for a year as he retained the Mike Pitts Trophy with a tally of 40 points.

The 18-handicapper, who has finished third on half a dozen occasions in 9 O’Clock Club events over the past 12 months, needed countback to get the better of Simon Langley.

Staverton

Two strokes was the difference between first and second place in the April Medal as Josh Dennison (net 68) grabbed the plaudits ahead of Brian McGinley.

Cherwell Edge

Forty four points was a magnificent winning score for Stuart Boyd in the April Stableford as he saw his handicap cut to 15.

The father of former European Tour pro Gary Boyd finished six points ahead of Matthew Cook, with four more players a further point off the pace.

Cold Ashby

Adrian Hoare did all his best work on the outward stretch in the April White Tee Stableford as he came out on top by two points.

After compiling a brilliant front nine of 24 points, the 21-handicapper kept his composure over the last few holes to take first prize ahead of Robert Harris and Geoff Newman (both 36).

Daventry

Tom Orcherton’s four-player team were successful in the Texas Invitation Day as they shot a winning score of net 54.6.

Dan Haynes collected second prize after his team shot 55.9, while club captain Kevin Tarbox’s side were third on 58.4.

Brampton Heath

A single point was the margin of victory in the April Stableford as Duncan Harris squeezed in front of Paul Sutton and Ben Jones (both 37).

Delapre

The Orchard Trophy went to Timothy Pitwood after the high-handicapper came in with a net 69. Craig McAuley (70) took second by two from Philip Twiselton.

Farthingstone

Stephen Bird was successful in the latest Weekend Bash as his score of 37 points was one more than Chris Aworth could shoot.

Northampton made it back-to-back away wins in Group B with a 3-2 success at Northants County.

Brampton Heath kept alive their hopes of retaining their crown as they recorded a second consecutive victory with a 5-0 home whitewash of Overstone Park.

Mark Halliday and Ben Jones bagged the first point with holes to spare, Alec Francis and Dean Montgomery (3&1) doubled the home lead, before Steve Nixon and Andy Tebbutt confirmed the team victory with a 4&2 win.

After a loss and then a victory in their opening two games of the year, Brampton maintained the pressure on leaders Northampton by comfortably taking the final two points.

Andrew Sewell and James Wiggins triumphed 4&3, while Brendan Kelly claimed a 6&5 success in partnership with county champion Nick Herridge, who has now won his last 12 matches for the club.

Group A

Peterborough Milton did just enough to edge out Stoke Albany as two home pairings needed play-offs to secure a 3-2 victory.

With the visitors winning games one and four, and Neil Smith and Phil Hughes recording a 3&2 home success in the last tie, the outcome came down to the second and third ties - both of which finished all square after 18 holes.

Richard Cole and Dougie Hill were victorious for Milton on the first extra hole to level the match, before Scott O’Connor and Neil Thompson triumphed on the 20th hole to secure the home win.

In the other match, Whittlebury bounced back from their 4-1 loss at Stoke Albany in style with a 5-0 home success against Daventry.

Group C

Kingsthorpe proved too strong for Farthingstone as they completed a 5-0 thrashing on their home course in Group C.

In a battle between two former county champions in game one, Jack Brown comfortably got the better of Paul Hodgkiss (Farthingstone) as he combined with Guy Loveland to record a 6&5 win.

Gavin Hitchcock maintained his impressive start to the season as he joined up with Kris Spence to take game two on the 17th hole, before the hosts wrapped up the win with a 3&2 success for Steve Jackson and Lee O’Connor.

After a narrow success at Cherwell Edge in the opening contest the previous weekend, Kingsthorpe improved their points difference thanks to wins for Jason Spence and Louis Wixon (3&2) and Mark Bazeley and Jason McGuinness (2&1).

Cherwell were once again on the receiving end of another defeat in their second match as they went down 4-1 at Rushden, who lost by the same mark at Cold Ashby last weekend.

In a match a lot closer than the final scoreline suggested, Rushden’s Ian Dickerson and Callum Gant took game one on the 18th, before Sean Lapper and Luis Witherall leveled the contest on the same hole.

Although Simon Cox and Jack McGrath grabbed a 4&2 win for the hosts, the remaining two games both went the distance as Steve Alexander and Shaun Gant took game three, while Lewis Miller and Mark Brown completed the scoring for Rushden.

Group D

Wellingborough were given an almighty fright by Kettering before eventually securing a thrilling home victory in a play-off.

Following a 4-1 success at Staverton in their opening game, Wellingborough looked on track for another good win as Sam Waite and Mick Garside (8&6) and Jamie Milligan and Duncan Cornish (6&4) found their best form.

Kettering didn’t give in however as Stuart Bell and Dave Harkess withstood a brilliant fight back from Richard Brown and Paul Saunders to win on the first extra hole, while Andy Robinson and Neil White came through for the visitors on the 18th.

With the overall result coming down to the outcome of the second game, Kettering appeared to hold the upper hand as Rob Stevenson and Dean McIntyre led by one going down the last.

However, Mike Gilbrook canned a birdie from off the 18th green to level the match, before Mark Coleman safely lagged his birdie putt on the first extra hole to snatch a dramatic victory.

Wellingborough now face a potential Group D decider at home to Priors Hall this weekend after the Corby club also made it back-to-back wins with a 4-1 home victory over Staverton Park.

Despite a 4&3 success for Cullen MacCallum and Tommy Hamilton in the opening tie, Priors Hall were made to battle for the other points as the remaining four games all reached the 18th hole.

Alun Genner and Callum Farr were successful for the hosts in the second match, but Stuart Trigwell and Leigh Foster maintained Staverton’s hopes by clinching the next point.

Ryan Genner and John Lenaghan secured the home victory in game four, before Michael Farr and Anthony Lamond capped another fine performance by grabbing the last point.

Jon Brady knows his former players will show Brackley Town no sympathy in their battle for survival this Saturday.

The Saints, who are one place and two points above the relegation zone, know a win this weekend will ensure they remain in Vanarama Conference North for another season.

But their final-day opponents are a Hednesford Town team contatining the likes of Glenn Walker, Steve Diggin and Marvin Robinson.

Those men were key members of last season’s Brackley squad, with Brady forced to lose them due to budget restraints.

And he is now hoping they don’t come back to haunt his side.

“I didn’t want to let them go but it’s the problem you face when the club decided what it wanted to do,” said Brady.

“You can’t let your best players leave if you want to succeed, but we did.

“I can’t see them having any sympathy for us and there will be no sentiment on either side on Saturday.”

But Brady is refusing to worry about what the opposition can produce, with the Brackley boss showing full belief in his players.

Morale has been lifted by recent results, with the Saints picking up seven points from the past nine on offer.

And Brady said: “Everyone at the club has worked so hard to get the club to this level.

“We’ve got one more hurdle to negotiate but I’m sure we can do it.

“The supporters have got behind the club when we’ve needed them to and we will need them again on Saturday to help us over the line.”

Even if Brackley don’t beat Hednesford, their survival will be secured if Colwyn Bay lose at Worcester City.

But Brady is refusing to rely on other results.

He said: “Worcester City have got a great home record but Colwyn Bay have only lost three on the road, so we must try and win the game.

“We can’t rely on what is happening elsewhere, we’ve just got to go out and do our job on Saturday.

“We’ve hit form at the right time but having some our more experienced players, like Curtis McDonald, Frank Sinclair and Own Story, back has made a big difference.

“I’ve always believed we could get out of it, now it’s in our own hands and we have the opportunity to finish the job off on Saturday.”

Northants FA gave Brackley special dispensation to play their development side in Tuesday’s NFA Hillier Senior Cup final against Peterborough Northern Star at Sixfields.

That meant Brady would not see any of his players pick up injuries before Saturday, although Will Green was in the team.

Brady added: “The NFA has been really helpful to the club.

“They want us to remain in the Conference and know how important it is for us to have a full squad available.”

Chloe Weston and Linda Warren beat Northampton & District club-mates Janet Swift and Joyce Porter 26-22 to claim the ladies pairs crown on a busy weekend for the County Indoor Finals.

The event was held at Wellingborough IBC and saw all the titles for the season’s competitions decided.

In the men’s pairs, Iain Walker and Ray Castle (Kingsthorpe) edged out Andy Smith and Richard Lemon (Northampton & District) 17-16.

Desborough’s Rebecca Wigfield and Wellingborough’s Phil Exley won the ladies and men’s singles titles respectively.

Wigfield battled back from 9-4 down at one stage to beat Daventry’s Vicki Rushall 21-12 to claim the ladies crown.

Exley, meanwhile, beat Liberty Trophy team-mate Richard Lemon (Northampton & District) to take the men’s title on his home green.

It had been all-square at 7-7 after nine ends but Exley allowed his opponent to score on just two more after that as he claimed a 21-11 success.

One shot was the narrow margin of victory in the ladies triples as the Kingsthorpe rink of Yvonne McKee, Debbie Watkins and Sharon Tansley beat Sue Collins, Chris Cooper and Maureen McDonald (Wellingborough) 15-14.

There was more joy for Exley in the men’s triples as he linked up with Wellingborough club-mates Dave Love and Bob Fuller to secure a 19-10 victory over the Desborough trio of Will Hill, Pat Crouch and Martin White.

Wellingborough also celebrated a victory in the men’s fours as Mark Corbyn, Scott Johnson, Paul Broderick and Jamie Walker saw off the Kingsthorpe quartet of Jim McKee, Darren Lewis, Neil McKee and Vernon Gearey by a 22-18 scoreline after a hard-fought contest.

The Daventry rink of Joan Watts, Julie Spreadbury, Vicki Rushall and Brenda Bishop were successful in the ladies fours as they enjoyed a comfortable 23-10 win over Alison Pike, Samantha Jarvis, Wigfield and Jeannie Flippance (Desborough).

There was a vast amount of experience on show in the over-60s Tipler Rose Bowl final.

And victory eventually went to the Kingsthorpe line-up of Mick Richardson, Colin Jones, Jim McKee and Mick Sharpe as they beat Jim Diver, Ron Chambers, George Warren and John Haines (Desborough) 24-14.

In the under-15 singles, Northampton & District IBC’s Jack Lee beat club-mate Conor Bryan 21-14.

Connor Cinato was crowned the under-25 singles champion.

The Desborough bowler beat Connor Rollings (Kettering Lodge) 21-11 in the final.

Walker and Cinato shine on world stage

Wellingborough’s Jamie Walker and Desborough’s Connor Cinato gave a good account of themselves as they represented England in the World Indoor Championships in Jersey.

Walker was paired with Sarah Seymour and Cinato with Janice Gower for the mixed pairs element of the event.

Both county players performed very well, particularly in the singles where Cinato reached the quarter-finals while Walker made it through to the last four.

In the mixed pairs, both were in second place in their respective groups with Walker losing just four sets and Cinato three overall in the championship.

Jamie Walker singles results

Beat Garry McFarlane (Guernsey) 5-7, 9-4, 1-0 (tie break).

Beat Kevin Jones (Canada) 5-4, 7-4.

Lost to Mike Stepney (Scotland) 4-7, 4-4.

Beat in David Harding (Wales) 6-6, 8-6 (quarter-final).

Lost to Scott Baxter (Jersey) 6-6, 5-9 (semi-final).

Pairs results (with Sarah Seymour)

Lost to Chloe and Thomas Greechan (Jersey) 3-5, 8-7, 0-1 (tie break).

Beat Norma Duin and Ralph de Rooij (Netherlands) 11-4, 7-6

Beat Laila Hassan, Kevin Jones (Canada) 8-3, 6-6.

Connor Cinato singles results

Beat Dai Prosser (Wales) 9-3, 7-5.

Beat Zvika Hadar (Israel) 9-3, 10-4.

Lost to John McCullough (Ireland) 4-6, 7-1, 0-1 (tie break).

Lost to Scott Baxter (Jersey) 11-9, 5-8, 0-1 (tie break, quarter-final).

Pairs results (with Janice Gower)

Beat Guurtje Copier (Netherlands) and Damian Doubler (Wales) 11-1, 11-4.

Beat Beverly Polatinsky and Zvika Hadar (Israel) 11-1, 6-4.

Lost to Chloe Watson and John McUllough (Ireland) 4-8, 5-5.

Chance to enter the Hunter Tredwell Open Triples

Kingsthorpe BC is organising a new Triples Tournament at the club to be called the Hunter Tredwell Outdoor Open Triples on July 15, with the first session beginning at 10am.

The name of the event is in memory of three of the club’s best known bowlers, the late Andrew Hunter, his father the late Melvin Hunter and the late Ernest Tredwell, who will all be known to many of the bowlers in the county and beyond.

Triples may be single gender or mixed, and the cost is £36 per triple, which is inclusive of all rink fees, and a substantial lunchtime meal.

Prize money of £120 for the winning triple is on offer, with the runners-up to receive £75.

Bar and refreshments will be available all day, and the club has arranged for evening entertainment.

Entries are being accepted now, and they must be in no later than June 5.

To be sent to Ivan Wilson, Kingsthorpe BC, Central Avenue, Whitehills, Northampton, NN2 8DZ, with names of players and contact telephone details. Cheques payable to Kingsthorpe BC. Entries may also be made at the club office.

Rugby & Northampton Athletic Club battled against both the weather and their Midlands rivals to secure a superb team success at the UK Youth Development Midland Premier League meeting in Milton Keynes last weekend.

R&N’s under-17 and under-20 athletes fought off wild winds to accumulate 718 points - enough to triumph over Birchfield Harriers (694) and Marshall Milton Keynes (691), with athletes impressing on both track and field.

Tom Cheyne led the way, putting on a superb show to win the 100 metres in 11.77 seconds, before taking second place in the 200m (23.69). Cheyne then moved on to the long jump, securing another runner-up position with a leap of 6.27 metres.

The male relay events were dominated by R&N, with the under-17s winning the 4x100m in 45.74, while the under-20’s were victorious in both the 4x100m (43.44) and 4x400m events (3:29.05).

Those athletes were in fine form individually as well, with two of the 400m relay runners dominating over longer distances. Adam Wright cruised to success in the 800m in 1:57.77 and Hizam Sheekh (4:05.4) set a personal best when crossing the line to win the 1500m.

Their fellow relay team-mates, Connor Aldridge and Aidan Leeson, also sealed individual successes in the 400m hurdles and 200m, with respective times of 60.22 and 23.86.

The sprinters also put in fine efforts. Rico Ewer ran a time of 11.30 in the under-20 A race to take second, while Zach Stapleton (under-20, 11.61) and Adam Williamson (under-17, 12.18) finished second and third respectively in the B race.

Stapleton went on to win over 200 metres in the under-20 ‘B’ race in 23.14 and Clinton Osoba-George took the honours in the A, racing across the line in 22.45.

Isaac Akers put in a mightily impressive run in the 1500m, storming home to an eight-second victory (4:12.23) - a season’s best for the under-17 athlete. Meanwhile on the field, Paddy Price launched the hammer 55.79 metres to grab gold with a new PB.

R&N’s women were also dominant on the day, with double victories for the under-20’s in the 800m, 1500m and 1500m steeplechase among the highlights.

Over the shorter of the distances, Ellie Welch took the glory in the A race with 2:20.89, and Katie Chubb (2:21.95) secured success in the B category. Over 1500 metres, the respective honours went to Emma Bond (5:14.14) and Rebecca Leadbetter (5:14.15), while in the steeplechase it was Kirsty Goddard (5:35.52) and Tilly Lea (5:36.05) who were victorious.

The under-17 steeplechase was also won by R&N with Lily Carmichael storming to a 22-second triumph, crossing the line in 5:23.45.

In the field, there was success for a number of R&N’s under-17 athletes, with Eleanor Broome and Milan Clues securing first place in the long jump and high jump respectively.

Broome leaped 5.76 metres to win, while a high of 1.40 metres gave Clues the gold medal. Clues then moved up a level to compete against the under-20s in the long jump, and impressed again by securing silver with a jump of 5.20 metres.

Evie Harris-Jenkins was second in the under-17’s javelin, throwing 38.01m, a distance only surpassed by Bethan Rees of Cannock & Stafford – the UK’s number one at that age group.

Kiona McLennon took shot put victory with a dominant display, throwing 12.98m - well over a metre ahead of her nearest rival - and she followed that up with second place in the discus, with a season’s best effort of 28.81 to round off a superb day for R&N.

Northamptonshire are likely to name an unchanged side for their LV= County Championship match at Leicestershire this weekend – despite some heroic displays in the Second XI.

It will probably be the same 11 that took on Gloucestershire in the first match that takes to the field when play gets under way on Sunday.

If selection issues were tough before the opening encounter, they are likely to be even harder now with both Steven Crook and Kyle Coetzer – absentees for the Gloucestershire game – putting in big performances for the ‘stiffs’.

Coetzer has made 250 and 115 – both unbeaten – in the last week or so while Crook has shone with bat and ball.

However, stability is the name of the game for director of cricket David Ripley – at least for the time being.

“I certainly don’t envisage any changes too soon,” he said. “We’ve had a week off from the last match so we don’t need to look at anything physically.

“Kyle and Steven are hammering on the door but I don’t want to change things just for the sake of it.

“Obviously the longer they do that, the harder it is to ignore and if someone is short of runs then you look to the guys in form in the second team.

“But I think you want three or four games for your batsmen to settle themselves in and give them a chance to get some scores.”

The early form of Crook has been incredible with his 8-37 and 141 in a second-team friendly match against Warwickshire.

And Ripley admits he is unlucky not be in the side.

However, with a long summer still to be played out, he insists there will be no shortage of opportunities for the Australian-born all-rounder.

“Steven is very unfortunate not to be playing in the first-team,” Ripley continued.”

“He got runs and wickets in the game at Beckenham and has been a very fine four-day cricketer.

“He was disappointed that he wasn’t in the team for the first game but he is doing all he can to change that.

“We’ve said all along that we have not got many – or enough – seam bowlers.

“But those we have got are high-quality performers.

“It is almost an impossibility to think that someone will play 16 Championship matches in the modern game.

“That is especially true if you play one-day cricket as well.

“Twenty20 might not sound a lot but if you bat, bowl and throw yourself around in the field giving everything it takes a lot out of you.

“And that doesn’t include the preparation and the travelling.

“We think the key is getting our bowlers to play 12 Championship matches – that is the number we have in mind – and that they are fit and firing when they do play.”

A 53-year-old man suffered cuts to his head after he was attacked in Abington Street, Northampton.

The man was walking down Abington Street at around 1am on Saturday, April 18, when he noticed another man who was walking towards him, shouting, from Wellingborough Road.

The attacker hit the victim after a short conversation, causing two cuts to his head.

The attacker is described as white, between 20 and 30, 5ft 6in, of light build, with short dark brown hair and tanned skin.

Officers are appealing for witnesses or anyone with any information to call Northamptonshire Police on 101.

Alternatively, they can call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or use the anonymous online form at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.

Joel Byrom has signed a new two-year deal to stay at the Cobblers.

Manager Chris Wilder opened talks with the former Stevenage and Preston North End midfielder earlier this week, and Byrom has wasted no time in committing his future to Northampton.

The 28-year-old initially joined Town on loan from Preston back in August, and then signed a short-term Sixfields contract in January after having his contract terminated at Deepdale.

Byrom has been a regular in the Cobblers side throughout the season, making a total of 41 appearances and scoring three goals.

He will now be at the club until the summer of 2017.

Zander Diamond believes the Cobblers will learn from this season’s mistakes.

The central defender is still focusing on victory at Burton Albion on Saturday as Town try to maintain their outside chance of a promotion play-off place.

But it is odds on that the Cobblers will be kicking off next season still in Sky Bet League Two, and if that is the case, Diamond believes there are reasons to be optimistic.

In spells this season, Chris Wilder’s men have looked the real deal and have proved more than a match for the top teams in the division.

But they have also at times really struggled, especially defensively, and the former Aberdeen man is confident that won’t be the case next term.

“The season is not finished yet, and we need to finish it off with positive results, but you have to look forward.” said the 30-year-old, who returns to play against a former club for the first time at Burton.

“When we come back after the summer we can maybe analyse the mistakes that have happened throughout this season.

“But you need to go forward and not dwell too much on the past.

“It is a great squad of players in our dressing room, and people say that on paper it is one of the best in the league, but you need to go and prove it week in, week out.

“Burton have done that, Shrewsbury have done that, they have kept a level of consistency that I am sure the manager here at Northampton is looking for.

“So if we can get that consistency and stay injury free next season, then I think we have a great chance of going up.”

The Cobblers travel to the Pirelli Stadium hoping to deny their hosts the chance to clinch the league two title on their own patch.

Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink’s men are already promoted, and Diamond admits he isn’t surprised to see his former team-mates at the top of the tree after failed play-off campaigns in the previous two seasons - both of which the former Aberdeen man was part of.

“If I take my two years there, in the first year we got to the sem-final of the play-offs and got knocked out by Bradford, and the year after they lost in the final,” said Diamond.

“So the law of averages suggests that they go one better and they go up.

“There has been a lot of turnaround in personnel and players, and speaking to a few of the boys Hasselbaink has brought a few of his own players in, and there are a few foreign boys there.

“So I think it’s a totally different team to the one when I was there.

“But we are going to Burton in a positive frame of mind, and it is about us on Saturday, not them.”

Traditional Irish music quartet The Kilkennys headline The Core in Corby next week.

Renowned for their musical and vocal abilities, the band release their new album, The Colour Of Freedom in May. It follows 2013’s LP Meet The Kilkennys.

The Kilkennys comprise of Davey Cashin, Rob Campion, Tommy Mackey and Davey Long.

They have toured extensively across Ireland and played across the world.

Earlier this month, they performed in front of 50,000 people in O’Connell Street in Dublin on the 99th anniversary of the 1916 Easter Rising.

The Kilkennys play The Core in Corby on Friday, May 1.

Doors open at 7.30pm, tickets cost £16.50 before fees.

Concessions are available.

Tickets are also on sale for The Illegal Eagles who return to Northamptonshire on Friday, May 8.

Doors open at 7.30pm, tickets cost £22.50 before fees.

For more information, visit www.thecorecorby.com

Albert Hammond brings his Songbook Tour to the Stables in Wavendon on Sunday.

Hammond has been writing songs for more than 40 years and since the 1960s there has not been a decade in which he hasn’t written multiple hits.

He scored his first hit with Little Arrows which was recorded by Leapy Lee in 1968 going on to be the man behind more than 360 million record sales worldwide and more than 30 chart-topping hits.

Hammond’s hits include the likes of The Air That I Breathe and When I Need You which have become hits multiple times with different artists.

Artists who have recorded Hammond’s songs include Celine Dion, Tina Turner, Elton John, Joe Cocker, Diana Ross and Johnny Cash

He has also had number ones performing under his own name.

The Albert Hammond: Songbook Tour is on Sunday, April 26.

Doors open at 8pm, tickets cost £22.50 before fees. Visit www.stables.org for details.

A teenager was stabbed after he was allegedly attacked by a group of youths at event at a Northamptonshire branch of the African Caribbean Association (ACA).

The 17-year-old was attending an event at the Wellingborough ACA in Rock Street, Wellingborough, on Saturday night when the incident happened.

An altercation took place outside the venue sometime between 11pm and 11.55pm, which resulted in the teenager being stabbed.

He was taken to University Hospital Coventry for treatment and is in a stable condition with serious but not life threatening injuries.

A police spokesman said the attackers are believed to be part of a group of white and black men, aged between 16 and 20.

Police would like to speak to anyone who may have witnessed this incident or anyone who had attended the event at the African Caribbean Association and has any information about this incident but has yet to speak to officers.

Two 15-year-old boys have been arrested and released on bail in connection with the incident.

Witnesses or anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

A male driver of a car that crashed on a Northamptonshire road this morning has died.

Police said the man was travelling in a silver Vauxhall Corsa on the A43 southbound, between Silverstone and Brackley and at sometime between 5am and 5.45am lost control and left the carriageway.

Police said this afternoon the man, who is from Northampton, suffered fatal injuries.

Emergency services closed part the road for several hours this morning while a recovery operation took place.

Anyone with information or who witnessed the accident is asked to call the ‘Drivewatch Hotline’ on 0800 174615 or send an SMS text to the ‘TextLine’ on 07765 637201.

THURSDAY

MUSIC

Acoustic Jazz, Blues, Indie & Soul, Bootleggers, Wellingborough Road, Npton, 8.30pm

Rock ‘n’ Roll Tea Dance at the Picturedrome, N’pton, 1pm, then New and Unsigned hits The Drome, 7pm

A K Disco’s Karaoke, O’Malleys Bar, Wellingborough Road, Npton, 8pm till late

Jam Night, The Cardigan Arms, Moulton, 9pm to 12am

Mike Leigh at Kingsley Park WMC, Npton, 1pm to 4pm

Nutty Ska – Solo Artist & Disco at Golden Horse, Npton, 7.30pm

THEATRE

Alarms and Excursions, a Thrapston Amateur Dramatic Society production, at The Plaza, Cozy Nook, Thrapston, 7.45pm. Box Office 07543 321219 or www.tadsthrapston.org.uk

Cyrano De Bergerac, Royal Auditorium, 7.45pm. Box Office 01604 624811

Milton Jones, Derngate Auditorium, 8pm. Box Office 01604 624811

OTHER

Towcester County Market in The Chantry House, Towcester, 8.30am to noon.

Quiz at Monks Park WMC, 259 Wellingborough Road, Npton, 9pm. Free entry.

Quiz Night at The Sunnyside PH, Boughton Green Road, Npton, 8pm

Bingo (every Thurs) at Brafield WMC, located on A428, from 8.30pm

Quiz Night, Fox & Hounds, Kingsthorpe, 9pm

Quiz Night, Sun Inn, Hardingstone, 8.30pm

Sausage & Cider Festival (until April 26) at Golden Horse, Npton

FRIDAY

MUSIC

Rhythm & Roots at Bootleggers, Wellingborough Road, Npton, 9pm till late

The Acoustic Lounge (every Friday) at the Lord Byron, Kingsley, 8.30pm. All singers and musicians welcome

Vibe@Baroque Bar, Npton (every Friday) with DJ Barney B and DJ Clue playing the best of soul, rnb, & club classics

Disco at The Sunnyside PH, Boughton Green Road, Npton, 8pm

Beau Holland with special guests at Auntie Ruth’s, Npton, 8pm. £5 admission.

Be-Barb-Burlesque presents It’s Raining Men at The Picturedrome, Npton, 7.30pm. Tickets £15 (VIP), £10 (Standing)

PushPop 90s Night at Barratts Club, Npton, 8pm

Eddie Mac at Kingsley Park WMC, Npton

Find The Joker at Foundryman’s Arms, Npton

Indie Disco & Acoustic Singer at Eastgate PH, Npton

Karaoke/Disco at Golden Horse, Npton, 7.30pm

Karaoke at Crown & Anchor, Npton, 8pm

THEATRE

King John, Holy Sepulchre Church, 7.30pm. Box Office 01604 624811

Cyrano De Bergerac, Royal Auditorium, 7.45pm. Box Office 01604 624811

OTHER

Quiz Night at Brafield WMC, A428. Hot food available. Cash prizes.

Quiz Night, Shoulder of Mutton, Weldon, 8pm.

Bingo, Liburd Room, Whilton Road, Kingsthorpe, 7.30pm to 9.45pm

Fitsteps Class, Kingsthorpe Baptist Church Hall, behind Waitrose, 10am

Tai Chi (every Fri), Duston Village Hall, Sycamore Road, 1.30pm to 2.30pm. Beginners welcome. £4.

R-Zone Club recommences for young people aged 8-13 years at the Community Ctr, Olden Road, Rectory Farm, 5pm to 6pm. Contact Mel 07979 152746 for more details.

Funhouse Comedy Club at The Holiday Inn, Corby, 8.30pm. For line up and tickets www.funhousecomedy.co.uk

Vintage & Country Flowers - Floristry Workshop at Bay Tree Cottage, Maidford Road, Farthingstone, NN12 8HE. www.btcworkshops.co.uk

The Social, NN social night to bring together anyone and everyone working in the creative sector across Northamptonshire. NN, Number Nine Guildhall Road, NN1 1DP, 8pm. More info email Catherine@NNContemporaryArt.org

Mosaics - Workshop at Bay Tree Cottage, Maidford Road, Farthingstone, NN12 8HE. www.btcworkshops.co.uk

Big Money Bingo at Earls Barton WMC, eyes down at 8.30pm

Charity Cake & Coffee Morning organised by Northants Younger Parkinson’s Support Group. Grange Park Community Ctr, School Lane, NN4 5FZ, 9am to 12.30pm.

SATURDAY

MUSIC

Karaoke Disco at Vocal Club, Bailiff Street, Npton, 8pm till late

Live DJ at Bootleggers, Wellingborough Road, Npton, 9pm till late

Rock Face at Great Doddington WMC, Lower Street, NN29 7TL

Brafield Working Mens Club, A428, Justin Lovell from 8pm. Also bingo starts at 8.30pm.

Rik King at Northampton WMC, Sheep Street, Npton

Rapscallion – Folk Rock at Walnut Tree, Station Road, Blisworth, 9pm. Free entry.

The Bighead (ska band) at Thomas A Becket, Npton, 9pm

Phyzical at Kingsley Park WMC, Npton

The Big Head at Thomas A Becket, Npton, 9pm

Mia & The Moon at Golden Horse, Npton, 8pm

Motown & Soul Night at Aspers Casino, Commercial Street, Npton, 8pm to 1am. Admission £7 For info 07599 227569

THEATRE

King John, Holy Sepulchre Church, 7.30pm. Box Office 01604 624811

Cyrano De Bergerac, Royal Auditorium, 2.30pm/7.45pm. Box Office 01604 624811

Al Murray, Derngate Auditorium, 4.30pm/7.30pm. Box Office 01604 624811

OTHER

Military Fitness Class for adults and children at Delapre Park, Northampton, 9.30am to 11am. For info www.bpt-uk.com

Martial Art of Tang Soo Do at Kingsley School (NN15 5DP), 10am to 11.15am Children & family class. All welcome. More info www.tangsoo.net

Ballroom for Non Dancers at St Albans Church, Broadmead Ave, N’pton, NN3 2RA, 2pm. Enquiries 01604 787246.

Zimwomen Association are holding a BME Health, Wellbeing & Family Fun Day at Christchurch Hall, Christchurch Road, Abington, Npton NN1 5LL, 11am to 3pm.

Quiz Night at Semilong WMC, St Andrews Road, Npton

Kingsthorpe Grange Spring Fundraiser at St Marks Church Hall, St Marks Crescent, Npton, 1pm to 3pm.

Afternoon Walk with Northampton Ramblers (6 miles). Meet 2pm at Market Square, Olney. Circular walk taking in Filgrave and Emberton.

Afternoon Walk with The Ramblers Association (6 miles). 2pm start from outside The Eykyn Arms, Gayton.

Brackley Wine Festival, Town Hall, Market Place, NN13 7AB, 12noon to 6pm. Entry £5 in support of Rotary charities.

Annual Spring Fayre at Northampton High School, 2pm to 5pm. Entry £1 adult/50p child.

Beekeeping - Workshop at Bay Tree Cottage, Maidford Road, Farthingstone, NN12 8HE. www.btcworkshops.co.uk

Northampton Vintage Fair, St Matthew’s Parish Centre, 27A The Drive, Npton, NN1 4RY, 11am to 4pm. £1 entry.

Spratton Remembers The Great War (& April 26) – displays by the Great War Society, talks, exhibitions, music & food in the grounds of Spratton Hall School. www.sprattonhistory.org.uk

Car Boot Sale, Northampton & Lamport Railway, Pitsford & Brampton Station, Pitsford Road, Chapel Brampton, Npton, NN6 8BA, noon to 3pm. Located behind the Brampton Holt PH, come and sel your unwanted items. Cars £5, Vans £10, free entry to buyers. For info www.nlr.org.uk

SUNDAY

MUSIC

Karaoke at Jekyll & Hyde, Wellingborough Road, Npton, 8pm

Bingo and Hoy at Queens Park WMC, Npton

T.A.B. Sunday Jam at Thomas A Beckett, Npton, 9pm

Brafield Working Mens Club, A428, Mat Roberts from 8pm. Also bingo starts at 8.30pm. Hot food available.

Matt Palmer’s Millenium Jazz Band – Jazzin’ Around at Walnut Tree Inn, The Ellington Suite, Blisworth, NN7 3DS, 12noon to 2.30pm. Admission £8

Martin James Lewis at Kingsley Park WMC, Npton

Disco at Golden Horse, Npton, 6pm

OTHER

Badminton Club (16+) – Every Sunday at Duston Sports Centre, Npton. For more info call Jay 07946 631449

Bingo at British Rail Club, St Andrews Road, Npton (every Sun)

Energetic Wisdom Group Healing with Tony Mills at Roade Village Hall, NN7 2LS, 1.30pm to 5.30pm. For further details call Cindy 07974 443363

Table Top Sale, The Old Bakehouse Antique Centre, 88-90 Abington Avenue, Npton, NN1 4PA, 10.30am to 4.30pm.

Car Boot Sale at Sixfields Stadium. 8am Sellers, 9am Buyers. Cars £6, People Carriers & Small Vans £8, Vans, Cars with Trailers £10. www.ntfc-trust.co.uk or call 07763 360523

The 3rd Northampton Girls Brigade will be celebrating

100 years of Girls Brigade at Kingsley Park Methodisat Church, Kettering Road, Npton. We would like as many “old girls” to attend as possible to make the occasion special. Parade at 10am, celebration service 10.45am, and buffet lunch.

Circular Day Walk with The Ramblers Association (12 miles). Meet 9am Church Lane (adj to rear entrance to Holy Sepulchre Church) or 9.30 Sponne School, Brackley Road, Towcester.

Handmade & Unplugged Spring Craft Fair, The Picturedrome, 2pm to 6pm.

Quiz Night with Mattyboy at Barratts Club, Npton, 8pm. Cast prizes and beer legs

Quiz Night with Phil at Crown & Anchor, Npton, 8pm.

Sunday Lunch Bingo at Earls Barton WMC, 1pm

Car Boot Sale at Nene Park Stadium, Irthlingborough, NN9 5FN. Sellers 7am, Buyers 8am. www.neneparkcarboot.info Tel 07712 114819

MONDAY

MUSIC

Karaoke at The Golden Horse, Far Cotton, 4pm to 7pm

THEATRE

King John, Holy Sepulchre Church, 7.30pm. Box Office 01604 624811

OTHER

Pub Quiz, Charles Bradlaugh, Npton, 8pm. Entry £1pp

Movie Night at The Picturedrome, Npton, 8pm. Free entry. Tonight “Exodus: Gods and Kings”.

Lunchtime Bingo at Monks Park WMC, 259 Wellingborough Road, N’pton, 2.30pm

If you enjoy singing, why not join Kingsthorpe’s newly formed choir “Just Voices”. Meet Kingsthorpe Baptist Church (every Mon), 7-8.15pm. More details stuartpauljenkins@gmail.com or 01604 717866

Iyengar Yoga, 9.30am to 10.45am, Perry Street – 07759 152986

Northampton Morris Men practice nights every Monday 8pm to 10pm. Ages 18 to 80. www.northamptonmorrismen.co.uk

Northampton Music Appreciation Society present a concert given by The Daventry Judith Choir at Quaker Meeting House, Wellington Street, Npton, 7.30pm

TUESDAY

MUSIC

All That Jazz at the Wig & Pen, Npton, 9pm. Free entry

Just Voices Community Choir meet (every Tues), 7pm to 8.30pm at Kingsthorpe Baptist Church, entrance from rear of Waitrose. Stuart Jenkins 01604 455682

Northampton Male Voice Choir (every Tues), 7.30pm at

Kingsley Park Methodist Church Hall (opp St Matthews Church). For details www.nmvc.co.uk

THEATRE

King John, Holy Sepulchre Church, 7pm. Box Office 01604 624811

OTHER

Yoga for Well-Being at Spencer Dallington Community Centre, Npton (every Tue), 9.30am to 11.30am.

Salsa Estrellas at The Picturedrome, Npton. An evening of pure dancing and fitness, from 7.30pm.

Bingo at Monks Park WMC, N’pton, 8pm

Classic Movies Afternoon brings you films from the Golden Age of cinema at The Picturedrome, Npton, 1pm

Free Ballroom & Latin Dance Lessons (every Tues), 1.30pm to 3.30pm at Eden Close Community Room, Lakeview NN3 6NS. Tel 01604 787246

“A Naturalist’s Life – Part One” with George Twiselton at NASO, St Michaels Road, Npton, 10.30am to 11.45am. More details 01604 858252.

WEDNESDAY

MUSIC

Jazz & Blues at Charles Bradlaugh, Npton, 8.30pm. Free entry

The Freight Train Jam at Thomas A Beckett, St James Road, Npton, 9pm. Tonight Ray Hue.

Phil’s Might Music Quiz at The Lord Byron, Kingsley, Npton

Legends Open Mic at Kitty O’Shea’s, St Peter’s Way, Npton, 8pm (every Wed)

Robin Bibi Band – Wednesday Blues Club at The Malt Shovel Tavern, Bridge Street, Npton NN1 1QF, 8.45pm. Free entry

Back Beat - Wednesday Beat Scene, The Headland, Longland Road, Npton, 8.30pm.

Open Mic Night, Golden Horse, Far Cotton, N’pton, 8.30pm

THEATRE

King John, Holy Sepulchre Church, 7.30pm. 01604 624811

Lee Nelson, Derngate Auditorium, 8pm. 01604 624811

OTHER

Mums, Grannies, Childminders & Toddlers meet (every Wed) in the Church Hall, Edinburgh Road, NN2 6PH, 1.30pm to 3pm..

“Benjamin Franklin” with Peter Liebscher at NASO, St Michaels Road, Npton, 7.30pm to 9pm. More details 01604 858252.

Morning Walk with The Ramblers Association (7 miles). 9.30am Barley Mow, Paulerspury.

Morning “Strollers” Walk (but all welcome) with Northampton Ramblers (3.5 miles). Meet 10am Salthouse Road, Brackmills Country Park.

Quiz Night at Lord Byron, Npton,

Joel Byrom admits he didn’t have to think twice before committing his future to the Cobblers.

The midfielder has signed a new two-year contract to stay with the club until the summer of 2017, and he says it wasn’t a tough decision to make.

“I wanted to get it done as soon as possible, because I have been happy since I have been here,” said Byrom.

“I wanted to get the contract sorted so I can concentrate on playing football.

“The future is sorted now, so the summer is my own, I am not going to have to look around for another club or anything.

“The manager told me he wanted to keep me, and I wanted to stay, so it was quite straightforward.”

The 28-year-old initially joined Town on loan from Preston last August, and then signed a short-term contract in January after being released by the Deepdale club.

He has been a key part of the Cobblers team throughout the season, and in the past four months has formed a reliable central midfield partnership with Jason Taylor.

“My form did dip when the team’s did, but since Christmas I have only looked forward,” said Byrom, who has made 41 appearances this season and scored three goals.

“I have had a good partnership with Jason Taylor, and the whole midfield complement each other.

“We all have different attributes, especially the two wide boys who have been exellent since coming in, and things have worked really well.

“I think things have gone well here overall. We have struggled a little bit in certain parts of the season, and that has ended up killing us.

“But looking towards next season, I hope it is going to be a productive one.

“There is a great bunch of lads here, and you can tell that by the way we are playing.

“We are full of confidence at the minute, we have done really well since Christmas, and we can take that into next season.”

A learner driver who gave false details to the police when he was stopped in Northampton has been jailed for eight months.

Collins Munadzo, aged 22, was stopped by a Northamptonshire Police officer in Bridge Street at 5am on June 14 last year.

The court heard the officer pulled over the vehicle because he was forced into an ‘emergency stop’ when it pulled out of St Peters Way.

Rachel Law, prosecuting, said the officer could smell alcohol when he approached the car and breathalysed the driver. The driver failed the tests and was arrested and taken to the police station.

In custody. Munadzo, who only had a provisional licence, gave his cousin’s details.

His cousin was later arrested and appeared in court charged with drink-driving. However, after the arresting officer appeared in court, he identified that he was not the driver of the car at the time of the drink-driving incident.

Ms Law said Munadzo handed himself into to Northamptonshire Police on January 9 and admitted that he had been the driver.

Munadzo pleaded guilty to drink-driving, driving with no insurance and perverting the course of justice.

Recorder Geoffrey Kelly, sentencing, said perverting the course of justice was a very serious offence as it led to innocent people being detained.

Munadzo. of Liverpool, was sentenced to eight months in prison. He was disqualified from driving for 12 months and must take an extended test. He is likely to serve half his sentence in prison. He must pay the victim surcharge of £100.

Tom Wood says the pain of missing out on a Champions Cup semi-final against Saracens will fire Saints for Saturday’s clash between the sides at stadium:mk.

Wood and Co were forced to watch on as Sarries travelled to St Etienne to face Clermont Auvergne last Saturday.

Saints were savagely beaten by the French side two weeks earlier, losing 37-5 at Stade Marcel Michelin.

And Wood did not enjoy sitting on the sofa last weekend as Sarries, who were the last English team standing, did battle, eventually being edged out 13-9.

“You don’t want weeks off at this time of the year because there are big competitions to play in and you don’t want to watch Sarries and the like competing in semi-finals while we’re sat at home,” said the England star.

“It’s the only chance we do get to have a week off and freshen up so you’ve got to take that while you’re given it, but at the same time you don’t want to be watching big semi-finals.

“There’s a little extra incentive, a little bit of hurt and anger to put in the bank for this weekend.”

Wood has seen more than enough of Saracens in the build-up to this weekend’s game, viewing the Clermont clash at home and in team reviews.

He was impressed with what he saw and knows Saints will have to improve significantly from their most recent outing - the defeat at Exeter - to compete.

“Credit to Saracens, they’re a tough outfit to break down, they gave a real good account of themselves,” said Wood.

“They did a much better job than us at containing Clermont and putting them under a lot of pressure.

“Unfortunately, they just came up short and as an English man I’m always rooting for the likes of Saracens.

“I know we have local rivalries in the Premiership but I still want the English teams to do well in that competition.

“From a selfish point of view, the more resources they have to put into other competitions and the harder they have to fight, the easier it may be for us.”