Red Arrows fly past for first game
THE Saints' opening match of the season against Leicester is set to get off to a flying start when the Red Arrows make a swooping visit their Northampton ground on Sunday.
The Royal Air Force's aerobatic team of pilots are set to soar over the opening Aviva Premiership Rugby match between the Northampton Saints and the Leicester Tigers at Franklin's Gardens at around 2.30pm.
As well as providing a thrill to watching crowds, the pilots will also provide extra support for Northampton's players, as many of those flying are Saints fans.
Chris Wearmouth, a spokesman for The Saints, said: "There is a long history between the Red Arrows and The Saints.
"They are regular guests of the former players' association - The Crooked Hooker - and they have been to several games over the past few years.
"We have always made sure they have felt very welcome and had a great time, so we have won them over as fans.
"They are on their way back from the Battle of Britain display in Duxford to their base in RAF Scampton in Lincolnshire and have said they will fly over the grounds from South to North.
"They have warned it is weather dependent but said they are planning to be here at about 2.32pm ."
And as the Northampton and Leicester players clash on the ground there will also be a difference of opinion in the air.
"The main Red Arrow is a Leicester fan but the rest of them have been won over by the charms of our club so he is going to be outnumbered," said Mr Wearmouth.
"It will be a case of Saints against Tigers on the ground and Saints against Tigers in the air."
"We are just very pleased they might be flying over.
"It will be a massive boost for the club and a great way to begin the game.
"It is a high profile match and hopefully it will be a great start to the season."
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Weather for Northampton
Wednesday 08 February 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: -6 C to 1 C
Wind Speed: 13 mph
Wind direction: North east
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: -1 C to 2 C
Wind Speed: 7 mph
Wind direction: South west
