National League 1 Champions

Meanwhile, in a stadium a few hundred miles away from Cardiff a very different game of rugby was being played out in conditions which included sunshine, wind, cloud, rain, sleet and snow, in various orders throughout. I was gutted, and I mean completely gutted when I realised that I had committed to a weekend in Cardiff and was going to miss this game. It was completely random that the League worked out this way and that on the very same day as the EDF semi-finals, Saints had the chance to beat Exeter at home to become National Division 1 Champions and gain their promotion back to where they belong in the Premiership.

So there I was in Cardiff being updated by text messages from my brother and Dad, "it's snowing", "three tries to one at half-time" and the wonderful wonderful "full-time 18-8 to Saints - we're promoted!" Oh my goodness - tears in the eyes time again! I'm so so proud of the boys and I wish I could have been there. Much as I love rugby and can watch any team play and really enjoyed the EDF games, there's something about watching your own team play which brings up emotions that just can't be matched watching as a neutral.

Around 10 months ago, Captain Bruce took the microphone with tears in his eyes and apologised to the fans for the team getting relegated. Everyone stayed behind and clapped the team and sang 'Oh when the Saints' and pledged to stand by them. Yesterday he took the Saints back up into the Premiership - what a star. We love you Brucie.

In two weeks time we are going to Twickenham to play Exeter once again, this time in the EDF National Trophy. How sweet it would be to get promoted and go to Twicks to win a trophy. This is one day I AM NOT missing!

Time for a team hug!

Thanking the fans

Woo-hoo!