The preparations are complete and the team has been selected for the game against Leeds Tykes tomorrow night, kick-off 7.45pm at the Stoop.
On the selection front, we are all delighted that Paul Burke is fit and returns to the starting line up. Paul, who went off injured against London Irish two weeks ago, has worked very hard with our physio's Cameron Steele and Sarah Scott to get himself back in to contention. It is no slight on David Slemen, who played so well against London Irish and London Wasps, but Paul's experience will be crucial tomorrow evening.
We know that Leeds will provide us with a massive challenge. They have performed very well in their first year in the Premiership and will be determined to win tomorrow night to ensure they maintain their Premiership status.
Whoever wins the game, it will not be decisive in terms of who is relegated to National League Division One. Leeds will still have two games to go - away to Sale Sharks on Wednesday evening and home to Gloucester on 12th May. And remember both Bath and Saracens are still in the battle to avoid relegation, and it is not beyond the realms of possibility that one of these two teams could face the drop if they fail to pick-up any further points in their remaining games.
Under Phil Davies, Leeds have done very well this season, collecting wins against Leicester, Saracens (twice), Bath and of course Quins to name but a few. In players such as Steve Bachop, Braam Van Straaten and Japie Mulder, they have real class, backed up by exciting talent such as Dan Scarbrough and Tom Palmer (who will miss tomorrow's game through injury). These players, like are own, are used to playing in the big match environment and they will be important to Leeds efforts tomorrow evening.
Everyone involved with the club is looking forward to tomorrow evening, in truth we were probably ready to play on Monday! But the players are relaxed, they know what they have to do and fully understand the game plan prepared for them by Mark Evans and the coaching staff. Those not involved in the starting 22 have worked equally as hard this week, offering the guys their full support.
For the want of repeating myself, the support we have received over recent weeks has been magnificent. At away games such as Bristol, London Irish and London Wasps the noise has been such that it felt like we were playing at home. Well tomorrow evening we are at home for the last time this season. I have a simple request, if there was a roof on the Stoop then tomorrow night I am asking for you, our supporters, to lift it off!
Looking forward to seeing you all tomorrow evening - with just one final thought:
COME ON YOU QUINS!