Rugby-mad youngsters from Lings Primary School have got their hands on the trophy they hope their heroes from Northampton Saints will be lifting on Saturday.
The Year 6 pupils visited the Chronicle and Echo offices to see the Aviva Premiership trophy on its whistlestop tour of Northampton, and sent their own good luck messages to the team.
Jim Mallinder’s team take on their fiercest rivals, Leicester Tigers, in the showpiece final at Twickenham on Saturday, as they bid to take their first ever Premiership title.
Year 6 teacher Julie Millard said: “We’ve chosen these children because they are all very sporty, and are all in the tag rugby team.
“It’s really lovely, and nice for them to have the opportunity to see the trophy, because of the close relationship we have got with Saints. Their love of rugby has grown.”
Sports co-ordinator, Anne Davies, said: “Our head is a fanatical rugby fan and a big Saints fan - but I get to touch the trophy!”
Ashleigh Stuart, aged 11, said: “We used to go to the study centre at Saints on a Tuesday and that inspired me to get involved. I’ve played on the Saints pitch and it was awesome. I think they are going to win 24-3.”
Donell Betsy, aged 11, said: “I think they are going to win 48-17. I would love to be there but I will be watching it on the TV with my dad. If they win I think you’ll hear my screams at the school.”
Hattie McLaughlin, aged 10, said: “Saints are definitely going to win. I’m going to be watching the game with my dad.”
Connor Ingoldby, aged 11, said: “It’s going to be 23-16 to the Saints. It’s going to be end-to-end, but Dylan Hartley will be the difference.”
Jasmin Sailer, aged 10, said: “I hope Saints win, because they are awesome. Most of the times I’ve been to see them, they have won.
“I have a lucky medal which I always rub, and then they win.”
Megan Munro, aged 11, said: “Hopefully the Saints will win, but I think it might be a draw. I love the Saints.”
Joel Oppong, aged 11, said: “They are going to win, but it is going to be close. I think it will be 26-22.”