Some supporters may have been surprised to find that Rugby had held on to second place, in spite of their having been beaten by as many points as they had scored against Tynedale, but it is only points difference that keeps them there, and that is steadily draining away like sand in an hourglass.

In theory at least, next Saturday’s game offers the boys an excellent opportunity to get back to winning ways and enable them to enjoy the coming festive break to the full. Leicester Lions, who will be their hosts, are the nearest opposition and travel, for once, should not be a problem. In addition Rugby have already beaten the other Lions at Webb Ellis Road this season, albeit a narrower victory than might have been expected. Leicester Lions are currently in eleventh place with five wins out of their thirteen games. All of their wins have been achieved on home soil with only two games being lost there; those against Cleckheaton and more significantly, Tynedale

With high profile players still on the casualty list, this game will possibly offer another opportunity to some of those Crusaders who may feel that they are being overlooked: If so, they should ‘grasp the nettle’ and impress us all..