Scrum at the bar as Saints chairman drums up support

It is no secret that most fans of the oval-ball game regard a spot of alcoholic refreshment as the perfect accompaniment to the action on the pitch, but Northampton supporters have been given a special incentive to follow their side to Orrell in the Powergen Cup sixth round this weekend.

As a gesture of thanks to the club's travelling support, Keith Barwell, the Northampton chairman, has offered to buy a drink for every fan who makes the journey up to Lancashire on Saturday.

"Around a thousand Saints supporters travelled to Cardiff on Sunday and really made the difference," Barwell said. "However, I must ask them for one last push in 2002. Orrell will not be an easy place to go to and we will need all that support if we are to make it through to the quarter-finals."

Barwell, who is known for his eccentric nature, intends to honour his promise in the Station Hotel, beside Orrell's Edgehall Road ground, before the match. "I will be in the pub by noon and I will personally buy a drink for every fan that cares to join me," he declared.

The landlady of the Station Hotel, Pauline Molloy, was momentarily lost for words when The Independent broke the news to her that the pub's Saturday lunchtime trade might be enlivened by the presence of a thousand or so thirsty Northampton fans.

"On one hand it's brilliant, but on the other they might have to wait a few minutes while we pull the pints," she said. "We have a few Orrell supporters among our regulars, but it's a nice gesture to the fans and we'll do our best to make sure everything goes well."

Barwell's magnanimous gesture is also likely to be welcomed by First Division Orrell, who have been surviving on home gates of around 300 to 400 this season.