It would be fair to say that Leicester will now be favourites to progress into the final of the Wild Card play-off's, but Sunday's game is now effectively a one off cup tie. How does the clich» go?

At 23-6 up, clearly we were looking to take a bigger advantage than three points with us to Leicester, but the momentum of the game changed following Geordan Murphy's try in the 13th minute of the second half. With a skirmish taking place on the pitch, Leicester went through out distracted defence and got themselves back into the game.

With us now facing our third game in eight days, the only training that will take place prior to travelling to Leicester on Saturday afternoon will be in the Physio room, and in the ice baths at both Aldershot and the Stoop. It is important that the players are as fresh as possible for what is sure to be a huge physical confrontation at Welford Road.

In terms of injuries, everyone came through last night's game in one piece. Matthew Powell suffered cramp just prior to the end of the game, but all the players are available for selection.

Because of the lack of time before Sunday's return leg we are unlikely to announce the team until the afternoon of the game, but I know that all the players want to be involved and are looking forward to playing.

Many of you will have seen the changes to the squad that we announced earlier this week. At this stage, I would like to take the opportunity to wish those players that are leaving NEC Harlequins all the very best for the future wherever they may be playing next season. To Dan (Luger), Ben (Gollings), Nathan (Williams), Bruce (Starr), Matthew (Powell), Alex (Codling) and David (Slemen) - thank you for what you have done for Quins and good luck.

The new guys will start training with the squad from early July and we are looking to organise two pre-season games down in France against Beziers and Castres, before playing a home game at the Stoop on Friday 5th September 2003; the night before England play France at Twickenham. Just as soon as these fixtures are confirmed we will let you know.

There is no point pretending we are up against it now; going to Leicester with just a small advantage from last night. However, as we showed against London Wasps last weekend, we are capable of beating anyone in the Zurich Premiership home or away, and that is exactly what we will set out to do when we travel up to Leicester on Saturday afternoon.

Look forward to seeing you all at Welford Road.