ON Sunday the man they call Chocolate Leg proved he had a golden boot to match.

Dan Clappison's last ditch penalty from 40 metres out sealed another crucial victory in a smash and grab raid at Birmingham.

It could prove to one of the most significant goals of the season. The moment was certainly not lost on club stalwart Gerry Matthewman.

The Otley legend went down on his knees and kissed Clappison's left foot before he got in the bath.

It was a very moving moment and a privilege to witness. Everyone in the changing room wept.

Once again the match was not a classic. On a very heavy pitch, Birmingham played it through the forwards as has become their style. But wet weather relegation football is never going to be pretty.

It's roll your sleeves up time. We ground out another win and that's the main thing at this stage.

If we string a few more together we might even get to enjoy the last few games and play some open rugby when the ground gets firmer.

This week we have a real opportunity to move towards the mid-table comfort zone by beating London Welsh.

However a defeat would put us right back in mire.

Looking at the league table, its amazing how tight things are becoming.

Apart from Worcester and Leeds everyone seems to be beating each other. No team outside the top four can completely discount relegation.

It's a fascinating situation and there are bound to be a few more twists and turns.

For me personally, I was pleased to get another injury free game under my belt for the Saracens on Saturday.

It's been a nightmare season so far with only two first team starts.

I am in hospital tomorrow for a scan on my quad and then I have a follow up appointment with a specialist. So I should have a clearer picture soon.

I thoroughly enjoyed captaining the seconds and was delighted with the enthusiasm shown by my players. The side was thrown together at the last minute and featured one or two guest players.

Prodigal son Mark Nixon made a welcome return and Stebbo gave us a solid base up front. Will Darby slotted into the unfamiliar fullback position.

At one point he was tackled so hard he was sick on the pitch.

The Viscounts successfully completed their fixture on Saturday, which is an improvement from last week.

Their game was abandoned after a 32-man brawl.

I am told that my old man was in the thick of the action again, and is now known to his team mates as Sugar Ray Eddie.

E-mail me at gas180@hotmail.com

l Written in association with The Houseman Physio Clinic, (01274) 534213.