Supporters spend the summer dreaming about the new season.

But when it finally started for Saints fans, the nightmare scenario unfolded.

In the space of just 15 minutes, Jim Mallinder's men had conceded two tries and lost their new No.8, Mitch Eadie, to injury.

And if the Saints faithful thought that was bad, they hadn't seen anything yet.

Because what unfolded during the rest of the half was nothing short of a horror show.

Saints were left battered and bruised on the canvas as Saracens landed blow after blow on the sun-soaked Twickenham turf.

A total of seven tries were scored before the break - and all of them went the way of the home side.

Only a Harry Mallinder penalty prevented a complete whitewash.

And at half-time the game was not only over, it was smashed to smithereens.

Saracens had put their marker down, even without several of their Lions stars.

Saints were left scratching their heads, wondering how a seemingly successful pre-season, in which they won all four matches, had come to mean so little.

All the blood, sweat and tears during the close season had resulted in this.

And it hurt.

The first 40 minutes were as bad as you'll see from a Premiership side this season, and Saints had to respond in the second period.

They did manage to score three tries, one from fledgling flanker Lewis Ludlam and two from Tom Wood.

But it was nowhere near enough to compensate the supporters who had paid to watch this hollow performance.

Those supporters are owed a huge showing at Franklin's Gardens on Saturday.

And that is exactly what Saints will have to produce if they are to beat a star-studded Leicester Tigers team.

But that is for another day.

For now, Saints have to try to banish these Twickenham demons.

The hugely disappointing display can't be allowed to set the tone for the rest of the 2017/18 endeavours.

Saints have suffered opening-day defeats in three successive seasons now, and the first two were pre-cursors for below-par campaigns.

If there is one positive, it is that there is plenty of time to put things right.

And youngsters such as Ludlam and Tom Collins showed the desire to turn it around on the field on Saturday.

But their senior colleagues will now have to summon up similar spirit in the week ahead.

Plenty of talented players will turn out for the Wanderers at Sale on Monday night, with the new signings Cobus Reinach and Rob Horne set to feature.

And they will have to hit the ground running to bring a welcome boost to a team that looked beleaguered on Saturday.

Experienced fly-halves Stephen Myler and Piers Francis are desperately needed, too, but they are a few weeks away from returning from knee and jaw injuries respectively.

That means Harry Mallinder, who did so well at 10 during the closing stages of last season, will have to pick himself up and get ready to pull the strings again on Saturday.

And he and his team-mates will know just how much improvement they need to make to tame the Tigers.

Leicester, who have won the past seven east midlands derbies, are hardly the team you want to face when you are licking your wounds.

But Saints can only afford to view it as the perfect game in which to produce a reaction.

If they are to do that, they will have to find far more grunt up front and much more cohesion among their backline.

It is easier said than done, and at Twickenham, where Saints beat Saracens to win the Premiership title just three years ago, that certainly showed.

How they rated...

AHSEE TUALA

Was one of the stand-out players last season and though he tried to produce some go-forward, it didn't happen... 4

BEN FODEN

Kept trying for his team, but Saracens ran Saints ragged during the first half and there was no coming back from it... 4

NAFI TUITAVAKE

Tried desperately to find gaps in the Saracens defence and also made one eye-catching tap tackle, but that was about as good as it got for the Tongan... 4

LUTHER BURRELL

Wasn't able to get the front foot ball he thrives on and instead it was a difficult day in defence for the centre and his team-mates... 4

TOM COLLINS

Continued to fight for the cause and a few of his runs really troubled Saracens, but cramp forced him off... 6

HARRY MALLINDER

Difficult to judge him too harshly as he's still very young and undoubtedly has a very big future, but this was a tough day and he made a few key errors... 3

NIC GROOM

His box-kicking wasn't the best and with Saracens putting Saints' half-backs under pressure, the away side couldn't manage the game at all in the first period... 3

ALEX WALLER

Showed real desire to set up a second-half score for Tom Wood, but Saracens had the edge up front here... 5

DYLAN HARTLEY

Not the kind of game he would have wanted on his return as captain as Saracens managed to dictate the game and earn an unassailable lead... 5

KIERAN BROOKES

Has been working hard to step things up, but Saints struggled against the Saracens physicality... 5

COURTNEY LAWES

Enjoyed a stellar season last time round and he did his best to take the fight to Saracens players who are regular foes... 5

CHRISTIAN DAY

Was forced off for a HIA during the first half and the temporary absence of a man who normally steadies the ship didn't help... 5

TOM WOOD

Missed one key tackle that led to a try in the first half, but battled back well and scored two tries, completing the 80 minutes despite not playing during pre-season due to a ban... 6

LEWIS LUDLAM

There are high hopes for this youngster and he wasn't giving up on the game, grabbing his first Premiership try... 6

MITCH EADIE

No real time to make an impact for the former Bristol man as he was forced off with an injury after just 15 minutes... 5

Replacements (who played more than 20 minutes)

JAMIE GIBSON (for Eadie 15)

Always a steady performer, but Saints were already under huge pressure when he came on and there was no turning the tide... 5

KEN PISI (for Collins 52)

The game had gone by the time Collins was forced off, but the Samoan tried to add a bit of positivity late on... 6

ALEX MITCHELL (for Groom 59)

A bright debut from the young scrum-half, who would have dreamed of better days to make his first Saints appearance... 6

Neil Almond, who attested as a Special in October 2015, heard the case against him made at Northampton Crown this morning.

Almond is alleged to have carried out the offences on various dates during a 10-year period between November 2005 and December 2015.

The 40-year-old from the south of Northamptonshire faces two charges of rape and two sexual assaults against adults.

He also faces four counts of sex attacks against children.

Appearing in court this morning, Almond spoke to confirm his name and address.

In her opening remarks to the jury, prosecutor Victoria Rose said: "At the end of this trial you will have to decide on the facts of this case.

"You will be required to return verdicts.

"In order to return verdicts of guilty in respect of all or some of the offences, you will have to be satisfied you are sure."

Almond is currently suspended from duty.

The trial is expected to last a week.

The Cobblers have appointed Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink as the club’s new boss, so we thought we’d take a closer look at the 45-year-old’s career in football.

As a player, there is no doubting that Hasselbaink was an outstanding striker for clubs such as Chelsea, Leeds United, Atletico Madrid and more, twice winning the English top flight’s Golden Boot award.

He also represented his country, scoring nine goals in 23 appearances for the Netherlands, and made two appearances at the 1998 World Cup in France.

As a manager, Hasselbaink has been in charge at three different clubs, prior to his appointment at Sixfields.

He first managed at Royal Antwerp in Belgium, and steered the team to a seventh place finish in the second division in the 2013/14 season.

Hasselbaink was offered a deal to stay in Antwerp, but turned it down.

Hasselbaink at Royal Antwerp (league record)

P 34 W 13 D 10 L 11 - win ratio: 38%

The next opportunity to arise for Hasselbaink was in the fourth tier of English football as he was handed the chance to manage League Two side Burton Albion after Gary Rowett had been poached by Birmingham City.

Hasselbaink signed a two and-a-half-year contract, and was a huge success.

He carried on Rowett’s good work and managed Burton to the league two title, beating the Cobblers 3-1 at the Pirelli Stadium in the penultimate match of the season on April 25, 2015, and sealing the silverware a week later.

The start to the next season was also impressive as Burton sat on top of the league one table after four months of the campaign, and it was that record that attracted Queens Park Rangers, and saw them take Hasselbaink to Loftus Road.

Hasselbaink at Burton Albion

P 54 W 33 D 11 L 10 - win ratio: 61%

Hasselbaink took over at QPR in December with the Rs sitting in 11th in the Championship table, and after a steady if unremarkable spell, they finished the season in a respectable 12th.

A disappointing start to the following league campaign followed though, and Hasselbaink was sacked with Rangers 17th in the table, six points above the relegation zone, and six points off the play-offs.

The team didn’t get beat too often, but drew too often as they managed only two wins between August and early November, with Hasselbaink’s final game in charge a 1-1 stalemate with Nottingham Forest.

Hasselbaink at QPR

P 47 W 13 D 19 L 15 - win ratio: 28%

Hasselbaink’s overall record in English football

P 101 W 46 D 30 L 25 - win ratio 46%

Hasselbaink becomes the 14th permanent Town manager in the space of the past 16 years.

Kevin Wilson was dismissed in September, 2001, and since then the managers have been Kevan Broadhurst, Terry Fenwick, Martin Wilkinson, Colin Calderwood, John Gorman, Stuart Gray, Ian Sampson, Gary Johnson, Aidy Boothroyd, Chris Wilder, Rob Page, Justin Edinburgh and Hasselbaink.

Fact File

Name: Jerrel ‘Jimmy’ Floyd Hasselbaink

Born: March 27, 1972 (age 45), in Paramaribo, Suriname

Playing career (1990-2008)

Clubs: Telstar; AZ; Campomaiorense; Boavista; Leeds United; Atlético Madrid; Chelsea; Middlesbrough; Charlton Athletic; Cardiff City

Senior appearances: 453 starts, 67 substitute appearances; 233 goals

International career: 23 appearances, 9 goals

Managerial career (2013 to present)

Clubs: Royal Antwerp, Burton Albion, Queens Park Rangers, Northampton Town

Honours: League two title - 2015

Chairman Kelvin Thomas says the Cobblers have landed their ‘top choice’ with the appointment of Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink as the club’s new manager.

The former Burton Albion and Queens Park Rangers boss has signed a three-year contract at Sixfields, and will take immediate charge and prepare the team for Saturday’s Sky Bet League One clash with Doncaster Rovers.

Thomas said the club ‘receieved a high number if applications’ for the managerial post following last Thursday’s sacking of Justin Edinburgh, but that Hasselbaink quickly emerged as the front runner.

The club and the former Chelsea and Leeds United striker were in discussion throughout the weekend, and after agreeing to take the role, Hasselbaink signed the paperwork on Monday.

“Once we made the decision regarding the position last week we received a high number of applications,” said Thomas.

“We had two targets that we wanted to speak to initially and following discussions with myself and then other members of the board, Jimmy became our top choice so we are pleased to be able to secure his services.

“He is an inspirational leader, someone who has had success at this level in the recent past and we think he is a very good fit here.”

Hasselbaink’s success at this level was a three month spell as manager of Burton Albion, who he guided to the top of the league one table in November, 2015, after steering them to the league two title the previous May.

His success with the Brewers led to QPR enticing him to Shepherds Bush and a crack at life in the Championship, but his spell at Loftus Road didn’t quite go to plan.

The Rs finished in 12th in May, 2016, but were 17th the following November when Hasselbaink lost his job.

Thomas says he and his fellow Cobblers directors have done their homework on Hasselbaink, and added; “We have sought a lot of advice and have spoken to and taken on board feedback from people who have worked with Jimmy before and those who have played against his teams.

“He is a manager who injects confidence and belief into his players, and someone who we think can begin to unlock the potential of what we believe is a good squad we have here.

“We are delighted to have been able to make this appointment, and we now have two very important home games coming up, against Doncaster Rovers on Saturday and Portsmouth next Tuesday (Sept 12).

“We look forward to seeing big crowds at both games to welcome Jimmy to Northampton and to support the team.”

Hasselbaink is the third Cobblers managerial appointment made by Thomas in the space of just 15 months.

Following Chris Wilder’s decision to leave the club and join Sheffield United, Thomas first turned to Rob Page who was in charge for a little more than seven months before he was sacked.

Edinburgh was then handed the job in January, and he lasted only a little longer, losing his job after eight months at the helm.

Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink is the new Cobblers boss.

The former Burton Albion and Queens Park Rangers manager was today (Monday) announced as successor to Justin Edinburgh, who was sacked last Thursday.

It is understood the former Netherlands, Chelsea, Leeds United and Middlesbrough striker was the number one target for chairman Kelvin Thomas and the Town board, and following a weekend of negotiations, the deal was finalised with Hasselbaink putting pen to paper on a three-year contract.

Hasslebaink, who holds a UEFA A licence, was a free agent, having lost his job as QPR boss last November.

The 45-year-old had only been in charge at Loftus Road for 11 months, and was dismissed with the Rs 17th in the Sky Bet Championship.

He had joined QPR after a successful stint in charge of Burton, steering the Brewers to the league two title in May, 2015, having taken over from Gary Rowett the previous November.

The following season, Burton started their league one campaign brilliantly, and were top of the table when Hasselbaink was tempted away to take over at QPR.

Hasselbaink’s first managerial appointment was with Royal Antwerp in the second division in Belgium, and in his one full season in charge he guided the team to a seventh place finish, before turning down a contract to stay at the club, leaving in May, 2013.

As a player, Hasselbaink enjoyed an exceptional career.

After spells in the Netherlands with Telstar and AZ, Hasselbaink went to Portugal to play for Campomaiorense before joining Boavista, where he scored 20 goals in 29 appearances as they won the national cup.

That form saw him attract the attention of Leeds United, and he signed for the then Premier League club in 1997 for a fee of £2m.

He spent two years at Elland Road, scoring 42 goals in 87 appearances, winning the Golden Boot in 1998/99, before he was signed by Spanish side Athletico Madrid for £12m.

Hasselbaink spent just one season in Spain, scoring a stunning 24 goals in 34 La Liga starts, but he couldn’t stop the club from getting relegated.

His form won him a move back to England, as Chelsea forked out £15m for his services.

The Dutchman went on to spend four seasons at Stamford Bridge, claiming another Golden Boot in his first season.

In all, he netted 88 goals for the Blues, and at the end of his contract he joined Middlesbrough on a free, scoring 34 goals for the north east side in two seasons, and helping Steve McClaren’s team to the UEFA Cup Final.

As his career came to and end, Hasselbaink spent a seaason apiece at Charlton and Cardiff City, before retiring.

In the international arena, Hasselbaink scored nine times in 23 appearances for the Netherlands, and played at the 1998 World Cup.

Two goals from first year scholar Morgan Roberts weren’t enough to stop a strong Cobblers reserve team lose a behind-closed-doors friendly 3-2 to a Luton Town XI at Sixfields on Monday afternoon.

The Cobblers team featured first team squad members Matt Crooks, Yaser Kasim, Aaron Pierre, Dean Bowditch, George Smith, Joe Iaciofano and Leon Lobjoit.

There was also an outing for left-back Raheem Hanley, who had found himself out in the cold under Justin Edinburgh, who lost his job as Cobblers boss last Thursday.

Roberts opened the scoring after just 10 minutes with a strike from 30 yards, but the Hatters were level shortly afterwards with Elliott Lee nicking the ball past goalkeeper James Goff from close range.

Luton took the lead on 40 minutes, but the Cobblers were level again 10 minutes into the second half, finishing well after a Crooks free-kick had rebounded to him off the crossbar.

Lee scored his second to put Luton 3-2 in front, and although the Cobblers pressed for an equaliser and created chances, it stayed 3-2.

The following people were sentenced at Northampton Magistrates’ Court:

JULY 8:

Kieran Brodie, aged 23, of Park Corner, Northampton, created a fake Facebook account in breach of a sexual offences prevention order; pleaded guilty, send to Northampton Crown Court for sentence.

JULY 10:

James Leeming, age 33, of Campbell Close, Towcester, recorded another person doing a private act without their consent; pleaded guilty, committed to Northampton Crown Court for sentence. Indecent photographs of children; pleaded guilty, sent to Northampton Crown Court for sentence.

Asher Gayle, aged 37, of Mounts Court, Lumbertubs, Northampton, assault; jailed for six weeks, ordered to pay a surcharge to victim services of £115, compensation of £100 and costs of £770. Commission of a further offence while on a suspended sentence for breach of a court order; no adjudication, dealt with original offence as folows – failed to provide a breath test; jailed for two weeks. Breach of a court order; jailed for 12 weeks. Stole alcohol and aftershave worth £106 from Tesco; jailed for one week. Failed to surrender to custody; jailed for two weeks. Stole a handbag worth £169.99 belonging to TK Maxx; jailed for one week. Stoke three jackets worth £189.97 belonging to TK Maxxl jailed for one week. Resisted arrest; jailed for one week. Failed to surrender to custody; jailed for two weeks. Overall length of sentence, 22 weeks (some sentences were concurrent).

Alexandru Frunzeanu, aged 27, of Baker Street, Northampton, driving while disqualified; jailed for 12 weeks suspended for 24 months, ordered to carry out 200 hours of unpaid work, ordered to pay a surcharge to victim services of £115 and costs of £85, banned from driving for 24 months. No insurance; no separate penalty.

Marius Covargic, aged 28, of St Pauls Road, Northampton, drink-driving with a breath test reading of 83mcgs of alcohol in 100mls of breath; fined £300, ordered to pay a surcharge to victim services of £30 and costs of £85, banned from driving for 20 months.

Jackson Kepe, aged 18, of Bridgewater Drive, Northampton, drink-driving with a breath test reading of 57mcgs of alcohol in 100mls of breath; fined £120, ordered to pay a surcharge to victim services of £30 and costs of £85, banned from driving for 12 months.

Denny Shury, aged 26, of Drywell Court, Standens Barn, Northampton, drunk and disorderly in a public place; fined £100, ordered to pay a surcharge to victim services of £30 and costs of £85.

Stephen Sibley, aged 48, of Berkley House, Horse Market, Northampton, threatening behaviour; fined £150, ordered to pay a surcharge to victim services of £30 and costs of £85.

Adam Ticehurst, aged 24, of Gedling Close, Northampton, drink-driving with a breath test reading of 75mcgs of alcohol in 100mls of breath; fined £280, ordered to pay a surcharge to victim services of £30 and costs of £85, banned from driving for 18 months.

Jack Daniels, aged 47, of Latymer Close, Northampton, had a kitchen knife in a public place without good reason; community order made, ordered to pay a surcharge to victim services of £85 and costs of £85.

JULY 11

Alan Smith-White, aged 42, of Canterbury Court, Northampton, stole various items of jewellery worth £591 belonging to Nolans Jewellers; jailed for four weeks.

Peter Crowther, aged 45, of Church Way, Grendon, failed to pay a parking ticket in Suffolk; fined £80, ordered to pay a surcharge to victim services of £30 and costs of £90.

JULY 12

Ion Boeta, aged 40, of Clickers Drive, Northampton, drink-driving with a breath test reading of 69mcgs of alcohol in 100mls of breath; fined £350, ordered to pay a surcharge to victim services of £35 and costs of £85, banned from driving for 18 months.

Lianne Bright, aged 24, c/o Hazelwood Road, Northampton, stole three bottles of fragrance worth £53.69 belonging to Boots the Chemist; fined £40, ordered to pay a surcharge to victim services of £30 and costs of £85. Commission of a further offence while on a conditional discharge for being drunk and disorderly; no action taken on breach.

Thomas Coates, aged 29, of Newton Road, Northampton, assault; jailed for 10 weeks suspended for 12 months, ordered to carry out 100 hours of unpaid work, ordered to pay a surcharge to victim services of £115, compensation of £150 and costs of £85.

Kieran Durrant, aged 19, of Lasham Court, Northampton, drink-driving with a breath test reading of 74mcgs in 100mls of breath; fined £210, ordered to pay a surcharge to victim services of £30 and costs of £85, banned from driving for 19 months.

JULY 13

Anthony Freel, aged 37, of no fixed abode, stole alcohol and household items from the Co-Op; conditional discharge for two years, ordered to pay a surcharge to victim services of £20, compensation of £40 and costs of £85.

Callum Gorden, aged 26, of no fixed abode, carried in a car knowing it had been stolen and no insurance; pleaded guilty and committed to Crown Court for sentence. Possession of a bank card for use in fraud; jailed for six weeks. Similar charge; jailed for six weeks consecutive, ordered to pay a surcharge to victim services of £115 and compensation of £17.40.

Richard Hefford, aged 31, of no fixed abode, no insurance, driving not in accordance with a licence, failed to stop when asked by a police officer, dangerous driving; pleaded guilty, sent to Northampton Crown Court for sentence.

James Broadfoot, aged 44, of no fixed abode, used threatening or abusive words of behaviour; jailed for 24 weeks, ordered to pay a surcharge to victim services of £115, compensation of £100 and costs of £100.

Rachel Campion, aged 37, of Louise Road, Northampton, failed to notify authorities in relation to Housing Benefit changes; fined £300, ordered to pay a surcharge to victim services of £30 and costs of £85.

JULY 14

Coye Franklin, aged 24, of Moorfield Square, Northampton, no insurance; fined £314, ordered to pay a surcharge to victim services of £31 and costs of £85, licence endorsed with six points. Driving not in accordance with a licence; ined £100.

Kinga Krol, aged 34, of St Michaels Road, Northampton, driving without due care and attention; fined £120, ordered to pay a surcharge to victim services of £30 and costs of £85. No insurance; fined £120. Driving not in accordance with a licence; no separate penalty. Driving while using a mobile phone; fined £120.

Martin Smith, aegd 29, of Daneholme Close, Daventry, not wearing a seat belt; fined £85, ordered to pay a surcharge to victim services of £30.

Luke Isom, aged 20, of Admirals Way, Daventry, failed to comply with a community order; fined £40 and ordered to pay £60 costs.

JULY 15

Oliver Love, aged 27, of Castle Avenue, Northampton, breach of a court order; jailed for four weeks, ordered to pay a surcharge to victim services of £115 and costs of £85. Commission of a further offence while on a suspended sentence for assault; jailed for eight weeks consecutive.

JULY 17

Mitchell Kahan, aged 27, of St Crispin Drive, Northampton, used threatening or abusive words or behaviour; fined £100, ordered to pay a surcharge to victim services of £30 and costs of £85.

Colin Whitlock, aged 58, of Church Street, Helmdon, five charges relating to indecent images of children; pleaded guilty, sent to Crown Court for sentence.

Brian Hepburn, aged 38, of Home Close, Towcester, failed to notify the authorities of changes relating to Housing Benefit; community order made to carry out 120 hours of unpaid work, ordered to pay a surcharge to victim services of £85 and costs of £85.

Lisa McDonald, aged 34, of Hinton Road, Northampton, stole perfume worth £299 belonging to B&M Retail; community order made, ordered to pay a surcharge to victim services of £85 and costs of £85. Wifully obstructed PC Lobb; community order made. Stole meat worth £33.59 belonging to Waitrose; community order.

Jamie Allen, aged 19, of Campbell Street, Northampton, stole a motor vehicle; fined £100, ordered to pay a surcharge to victim services of £30 and costs of £300. Stole a pedal bike; fined £100, ordered to pay compensation of £100 and fined £50. Failed to comply with a community order; fined £100.

Grzegorz Marcinek, aged 27, of no fixed abode, stole moisturising cream worth £73 belonging to Boots; jailed for five weeks consecutive, ordered to pay a surcharge to victim services of £115, compensation of £73 and costs of £85. Possession of a class B drug; jailed for five weeks concurrent.

Lee Sherlock, aged 41, of Scafell Rise, Northampton, handling stolen goods; jailed for eight weeks. Possession on a prescription in relation to fraud; jailed for eight weeks concurrent. Stole an ID card; jailed for eight weeks concurrent. Broke into the staff room at Lloyds Pharmacy; jailed for 12 weeks, ordered to pay compensation of £60.

Sarah Fitchew, aged 25, of Artizan Road, Northampton, drink-driving with a breath test reading of 90mcgs of alcohol in 100mls of breath; fined £140, ordered to pay a surcharge to victim services of £30 and costs of £35, banned from driving for 23 months.

Anthony Fitzgerald, aged 56, of no fixed abode, breach of conditions under the Sexual Offences Act 2003; jailed for six weeks suspended for 24 months, ordered to pay a surcharge to victim services of £115 and costs of £45. Failed to comply with a community order issued after breach of conditions under the Sexual Offences Act 2003; jailed for six weeks consecutive suspended, ordered to pay costs of £30.

Lukas Karpinskas, aged 23, of Lordore Gardens, Northampton, drink-driving with

a breath test reading of 49mcgs of alcohol in 100mls of breath; fined £285, ordered to pay a surcharge to victim services of £30 and costs of £85, banned from driving for 38 months.

Experts have revealed the ultimate guide to life - including owning our first car at 21, leaving home at the same age and getting onto the property ladder at 27.

Researchers who polled 2,000 adults of all ages also found we should reasonably expect to have had two long term relationships before settling down at 23 - and become parents by 27.

Worryingly, the study found the majority of the population are either behind in terms of their planned schedule, or are earning less money than they thought they would.

Shakila Hashmi, Head of Money for comparethemarket.com, which carried out the study, said: ‘’If our findings are anything to go by, the Great British public clearly wants to have it all by the time they hit 30 years old.

“And it appears most achieve it with things like meeting ‘the one’ or buying a home.

“However, when it comes to money, the findings are a little more concerning.

“Whether it’s because we aim too high, or simply underestimate the cost of big-ticket expenses, these findings highlight just how many of us are missing the targets we set for ourselves when it comes to money.”

LIfe-defining relationships

The study by OnePoll found many Brits would have expected to be in the long-term relationship that would define their life by the age of 23, although most weren’t married until 26.

And they usually expect to go through two long term relationships before finding ‘the one’.

Home ownership may be more difficult for younger generations than it has been in the past, but most Brits expected to own their first property by the age of 27 - and achieved just that.

And in fact, new homeowners expected to borrow £106,000 to get on the property ladder, significantly under the average first time mortgage of £133,000.

Brits have constantly earned less than they would have expected to throughout their lives - although those aged between 30-39 years old expected to earn £28,000 by the time they were 30.

However, the majority admitted they actually earned an average of just over £24,500 by that age.

Great expectations

Likewise, those aged between 40-49 years old expected to earn just over £29,000 by the time they were 40 when, in reality, they earned just under £24,800 per year.

Similarly, Brits were worryingly off the mark when it comes to the cost of running a car.

Although the car-owners polled expected to spend a total of £950 a year to cover related expenses (i.e. petrol, MOT, car insurance, maintenance), they admitted to actually spending over £1,500 a year on average.

Shakila Hashmi said: “What’s worrying, for example, is that the majority of consumers are still off the mark when it comes to considering costs like running a car.

“Especially in light of recent comments made by the Bank of England that consumers are becoming ‘dangerously complacent’ when it comes to mounting debt.

“There are numerous ways in which Brits should therefore aim to be as savvy as they can when it comes to keeping down everyday costs, like simply shopping around for the best deals.”

New research from independent job board, CV-Library, has found that one third (36.8 per cent) of workplaces in the UK have ridiculous rules in place, with one in five (22.5 per cent) workers stating that they feel they can’t be trusted as a result.

The study, which asked 1,000 UK workers whether their employer had any silly or unnecessary rules in place, found that over half (57.2 per cent) of workers will disobey any rules they deem as ‘silly’.

Interestingly, the most ridiculous rules fell into the following five categories:

Toilet troubles: Many respondents reported that they either had a strict time frame in which to go to the toilet (three minutes), had to ask to use the toilet facilities, and were even searched before going to the toilet.

Dress code dilemmas

Some respondents reported that they had to wear particular coloured clothes to match the business, women weren’t allowed to wear trousers, and one individual even said that they were sent home for not dressing down.

Silent treatment

Some employees stated that they weren’t allowed to talk out loud apart from when in the staff room, while others said that they weren’t allowed to say hello to a customer, only ‘good morning’, or ‘good afternoon’.

Timekeeping

If you’re two minutes late in one business you’ll have your pay docked by 15 minutes, and in another you aren’t allowed to travel further than 20 metres away from the building at lunch in case you’re late back!

Beverage blunders

Some workplaces won’t allow their staff to drink water, while another will not let workers carry drinks up and down the stairs.

What’s more, one company won’t even let employees have drinks on their desk in case they get spilled.

“Every workplace needs rules to have – otherwise you would simply never get things done,” says Lee Biggins, founder and managing director of CV-Library.

“That said, it’s clear that many of the rules highlighted in our research are just ridiculous.

“Employees want to feel trusted and while one workplace can differ massively to another, you have to treat your staff like adults – especially when it comes to being allowed to drink water and going to the toilet!”

The research also revealed that the cities which were most likely to have ridiculous rules in place included Glasgow (71.4 per cent), Cardiff (57.1 per cent), Sheffield (46.2 per cent), Birmingham (38.2 per cent) and London (37.1 per cent).

The average British family is wasting over TWO kgs of food every month.

The shocking figure is the result of the widespread mentality that it is ‘better to cook too much than too little’.

Researchers found seven in ten households admit throwing away too much food, often because they over-estimate portion sizes.

More than one in ten said they simply don’t have the time to weigh out ingredients before cooking them, which creates even more waste.

One in ten families also throw away up to 10 items every month because they have gone off before being used.

Overall the study found the typical family throw away 2.23kg of food every month.

Low awareness

Futurologist James Bellini, on behalf of home appliance brand Grundig who commissioned the research, said: “Given the crucial importance of food issues over the coming decades the level of general awareness and concern is surprisingly low.

“But looking ahead to the 2020s and beyond to the 2030s it seems clear that emerging technologies, changing attitudes and greater commitment within the business and political communities could spark a new era for food.

“In which tackling waste and providing healthy and wholesome eating for all in a sustainable way will move significantly up the agenda.”

Pasta and rice are the dishes that Brits most commonly prepare far too much of, followed by potatoes and fresh veg.

Four in 10 Brits say they have no idea how much pasta or rice is recommended for an adult to have with a meal - which is around 80g.

Over-guesstimates

And more than two thirds simply try and ‘guesstimate’ how much to prepare when cooking a meal with these ingredients.

On average, adults waste more than a tenth of each meal they prepare - throwing it away rather than finishing it.

And 49 per cent of the population don’t bother recycling their food waste, sending it straight to the main bin with their other rubbish.

Nearly a third don’t recycle food waste because they find the idea of a bin for rotting food off-putting.

And despite evidence to the contrary, a quarter believe they simply don’t waste enough food for a dedicated waste bin to be viable.

However, 37 per cent would be inclined to recycle more if waste could be turned into energy to power their home.

The poll of 2,000 adults revealed rather than having a wasteful mentality, almost half of the country’s careless cooks admit to preparing too much food.

Incorrectly thinking they could tell how much of an ingredient was needed just by eye was among the top reasons for Brits not knowing how much to prepare for their dinners.

Good causes

Alexandra Boon from Beko plc said: “At Grundig, our Respect Food programme spans both product development and working with partners to use surplus food for good causes.

“We believe that the fight against food waste should begin at home in the kitchen. People should not only enjoy good food but respect it too - which means wasting less.

“Advanced technologies within the Grundig refrigeration range, such as Ion Fresh, No Frost Duo-Cooling system and Vitamin Care Zone already help to keep food fresher for longer.

“We’re committed to developing brand new technologies to further reduce food waste in the home and in our UK Research & Development centre we are currently working on sensors to detect food spoilage and methods to help users track and manage their food.”

James Bellini added: “In the end, technology has an important part to play in solving our food waste crisis, but without the commitment of people to new attitudes and a changed social outlook it will not be enough.”

RECOMMENDED PORTION SIZES FOR AN ADULT

Breakfast cereal: Three tablespoons (20g)

Boiled potatoes: Two small (egg sized) boiled potatoes

Rice: Two heaped tablespoons (80g)

Pasta: Three heaped tablespoons (80g)

Lean meat: 70g cooked meat, about the size of a deck of cards

Fish: 140g cooked dish, about the size of a chequebook

Eggs: Two medium eggs

Pulses: Five tablespoons (cooked)

Hard cheese: 25g of cheddar, about the size of a small matchbox

Dried fruit: Two figs, around 40g

Dark green leafy veg: Four heaped cooked tablespoons (80g)

FOODS MOST LIKELY TO GO OFF BEFORE USE

1. Bread

2. Bananas

3. Salad leaves

4. Milk

5. Potatoes

6. Cooked meats

7. Carrots

8. Cream

9. Yoghurt

10. Apples

New figures show 89 people in Northamptonshire have died on the waiting list for an organ transplant over the past 10 years.

NHS Blood and Transplant revealed the tragic number of deaths to mark Organ Donation Week (September 4 to 10) and is now urging people to tell their families they want to become donors.

Hundreds of lifesaving transplants are being missed every year because families don’t know what their relative wanted.

Left to make the decision for someone they love, families often decide it is safer to say no.

The reluctance to talk about the issue is contributing to a deadly shortage of organs.

In Northamptonshire, there are currently 49 people waiting for a transplant.

They will only receive that life-changing call if people make sure their families know they want to be a donor.

Assistant director of organ donation and transplantation for NHS Blood and Transplant Anthony Clarkson said: “It’s a tragedy that people are dying unnecessarily every year in Northamptonshire waiting for transplants.

“We know that if everyone who supported donation talked about it and agreed to donate, most of those lives would be saved.

“This Organ Donation Week, tell your family you want to save lives.

“A few words now can make an extraordinary difference. It will also make things much easier for your family to make the right decision.

“If you want to save lives, don’t leave it too late to talk to your family.

“In Northamptonshire there are more than 285,000 people on the NHS Organ Donor Register.

“However if you want to be a donor, your family’s support is still needed for donation to go ahead.

“If you are unsure about donation, please ask yourselves as a family; what would you do if one of you needed a transplant?

“Would you accept a life-saving organ? If you’d take an organ, shouldn’t you be prepared to donate?”

NHS Blood and Transplant surveys show more than 80 per cent of people support organ donation but only half of people have ever talked about it.

Research shows that women are 30 per cent more likely to start a conversation about organ donation than men.

Families who agree to donate say it helps with their grief and that they feel enormous sense of pride at knowing their relative gave others the chance of a new beginning.

NHS Blood and Transplant wants everyone in Northamptonshire to be able to save lives through organ donation and not be prevented from doing so because they have not told a relative their decision.

Dylan Hartley admits Saturday's 'humbling' defeat to Saracens shows Saints are a long way from the standards they need to reach this season.

But the skipper insists he and his team-mates can bridge the gap by the time they take on Leicester Tigers at Franklin's Gardens this weekend.

Both teams will go into Saturday's derby date having lost their opening Aviva Premiership match, with Tigers beaten 27-23 by Bath at Welford Road on Sunday.

Saints endured an even more painful experience as they shipped nine tries in a 55-24 loss to the European champions at Twickenham.

And Hartley said: "You can't give a championship-winning side like Saracens a 40-point head-start. We were playing catch-up from there in the second half.

"There was a lot of frustration at half-time. Obviously Jim (Mallinder) speaks, a few of the on-field leaders speak.

"I think the second half was better, we can take some positives from that.

"But we were chasing four tries in that second half and ultimately with a minute to go, we cough up possession five metres out and we can't take anything from the game. So there's huge frustration from that.

"It's humbling. It certainly keeps you grounded and it shows that we're a long way off where we need to be.

"We had a fantastic pre-season, everyone was positive going into the game but it shows the level we need to be at to compete, and we were a long way off on Saturday.

"There are things to be looked at as to why we had such a slow start and that's what we'll do and build into Leicester this week.

"The nature of this league is that you've always got another big game around the corner and that's exactly what we've got.

"Obviously we're playing at home and we need to put a few things in place and play a proud game at home because certainly on Saturday we were too slow and Leicester are a quality side as well.

"Like I said, we've got things to work on, it's a short turnaround, it's another big game, but we'll be up for it at home."

8.4 million Britons take just one shower per week, according to new research into the hygiene habits of UK adults.

While just over half of us (51 per cent) shower daily, 14 per cent of Brits confessed to showering just once a week

The survey of 2,011 UK adults by bathroom specialists BetterBathrooms.com also found that an ultra-hygienic four per cent of us take to the shower twice a day.

Over a fifth (21 per cent) shower every other day; however, almost one in ten (8 per cent) never take a shower, opting instead to take a bath, citing relaxation as the top reason.

Perhaps surprisingly, men are most likely to shower daily (68 per cent), with women doing so less frequently - but preferring a relaxing bath (53 per cent).

Men are the speedier sex too with their average shower lasting 7 minutes, versus 13 minutes for women.

Longer shower sessions are most popular amongst the younger age demographics, with those aged 18-24 most likely to spend more than 20 minutes behind the shower curtain, while those aged 45-54 have the quickest showers, taking just 8 minutes on average.

More than a third (37 per cent) of Brits confessed to singing in the shower to let off steam, while 20 per cent said they preferred to let the professionals do the work and opt to listen to music on a speaker while they wash.

Lee Glenister, Head of Marketing for BetterBathrooms.com commented: “It’s surprising to see such a large number of Britons shower just once a week.

“It’s also interesting that the older demographics take less time in the shower, which may suggest they view it as more of a necessary facet of their lives rather than a relaxing experience.”

Tributes have been paid to former Daventry “legend” Weston Gamble who has lost his battle with cancer.

Barbados-born James, known as Weston, died last month aged 86 from colon cancer.

He was a popular member of the Daventry community who made a big impact on the town,

Dave Hutton saw Weston as a second father.

“Swiss Cottage in Daventry started off life as a cafe, but when Weston joined with business partner, Resh Singh, he helped turn it into a restaurant with accommodation.”

“After the Swiss Cottage, the partners bought the Wheatsheaf in Daventry and later opened Duane’s nightclub in Rugby which later changed to Dickybows, next to St Andrew’s Church.”

Weston then took over the Imperial in Rugby.

“He was so community-minded,” said Dave.

He described Westson as a “true gentleman” who would help anyone.

Dave added: “He selflessly passed on his culinary and business skills to many people and was always dressed impeccably and loved the fine things in life.”

Another close friend, Arren Thomas, said: “My family met Weston in the 1970s, so I’ve known him most my life.“I worked alongside him in the kitchen and in the bar.”He said Weston was well-respected and would do anything to help anyone.

“My daughter Leigha was very fond of Weston as in later years he lived with us at the family home.

“He will be sadly missed by all.”

Weston’s funeral will take place at Rainsbrook Crematorium in Rugby, September 14 at 3pm, followed by a wake at Hillmorton Manor hotel.

Dave and Arren would like to thank the owner Michael Quigley for his support.

A motorcyclist was kicked off his bike on a main road during an attempted robbery in Northamptonshire.

At around 1.30pm on Tuesday 22 August, a man was on his motorbike waiting to turn off the A5 onto the B5385 towards Watford.

Two men on one motorbike approached him, stopped alongside him and kicked him off his bike. They tried to take the bike from him but failed and he rode off.

The first offender is described as white, wearing a black helmet, blue tracksuit and no gloves and the second is described as white, wearing a grey hooded top, light grey trousers and also no gloves. They were riding a white Yamaha moped with no number plate on the back.

Anyone with information can contact Northamptonshire Police on 101. Alternatively, they can call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Groove on the Green - formerly a small family fun day turned 'fully-fledged music festival' - hosted 1,500 people over the weekend and has raised more than £46,000 in the past five years for causes including, Muddy Boots Pre-School, church, village hall, Walgrave Primary School Parent-Teacher Association and the village WI.

Kevin Brown from the organising committee said: “This was our tenth-anniversary event and this year the stage, sound, lighting, and stalls were all bigger and better than ever."

Live music kicked-off the day at 1pm on Saturday, 2 September, which ran through the evening until 11pm, while the beer festival boasted over 20 real ales, qualifying it as a CAMRA registered event.

Left over cash will be invested into the Jubilee Trust, a trust fund held in the village, so local groups can apply for small grants.

Several new faces have been named in the Wanderers team that will travel to face Sale Jets at Heywood Road tonight (kick-off 7.30pm).

South Africa scrum-half Cobus Reinach and Australia centre Rob Horne, who both arrived at Franklin's Gardens last Monday, will start in a strong back line.

Props Francois van Wyk and Jamal Ford-Robinson, who were also recruited by Saints this summer, start at loosehead and tighthead respectively.

Former Leinster youth player Paddy Ryan lines up in the back row, while Sam Dickinson, who has rejoined Saints on a short-term deal, skippers the team from No.8.

Dickinson led the Wanderers to Aviva A League glory last season, with the Saints second string beating Gloucester in the final at Franklin's Gardens back in May.

George North is also in from the off at Sale as he takes the No.11 shirt, having not featured during pre-season due to a hamstring injury picked up on the Lions tour.

Tom Stephenson has recovered from a dead leg sustained in a pre-season game against Ulster, and he will start at inside centre.

Rory Hutchinson gets the nod at fly-half, having shown his ability in that position on numerous occasions for Scotland Under 20s.

Api Ratuniyarawa and Jamie Elliott are among the replacements, showcasing the depth boss Jim Mallinder can call upon.

The game at Heywood Road will act as a useful audition for many players who will be hoping to feature for Saints against Leicester Tigers at the Gardens on Saturday.

Sale Jets: Carleton; Reed, James, Leota, Charnley; Wilkinson, Walsh; Pope, Langdon, John; Postlethwaite, Nott; N Dolly, Seymour, Pearce.

Replacements: Jones, Blanchard, Sanderson, Murphy, A Dolly, Stelmaszek, Wilkinson, Venebales.

Wanderers: Furbank; Estelles, Horne, Stephenson, North; Hutchinson, Reinach; van Wyk, Clare, Ford-Robinson; Paterson, Moon; Ryan, Nutley, Dickinson (c).

Replacements: Marshall, Beesley, Painter, Ratuniyarawa, D Onojaife, Kessell, Strachan, Elliott.

Stephen Jones, 44, of King Style Close, Crick, died following the collision on the A5, near the BP Truck Stop at Lilbourne at 6am on Thursday, August 31.

Mr Jones was riding a motorcycle at the time of the accident, which also involved a car and a lorry.

A statement released by Mr Jones' family said: “Steve was a family man with a lot of love to give and always there for people. He was a devoted father to Lauren and stepfather to Tyler.

"His partner Sarah loved him deeply, they were like two peas in a pod. He is going to be missed by all.”

A disputed late winner from Ollie Jones brought Daventry Town’s unbeaten run to an end in the United Counties League.

Jones struck the only goal of the game as Town lost 1-0 at Desborough Town in Saturday’s premier division clash.

Ross Harris failed to recover from the hamstring injury in midweek so Dan Bendon came into the back four. New signing from Desborough Town Jake Bettles and Adam Creaney, recovering from his broken nose, both started on the bench.

Dan Childs made a crucial header to deny the hosts but, while the home team had the bulk of possession, Town were dangerous on the break. Kieran Fitzgerald made two good runs but neither resulted in a shot on target.

Robbie Parsons also looked dangerous and his run into the area ended with the former Ruby Town player upended but the referee waved away the Town appeals. Parsons was upended again before Town went close when Sam Jackson’s free-kick struck the underside of the bar before bouncing clear.

After the restart Ant O’Connor made a fine stop before Bettles came on for Jake Dumbleton on the hour mark and was joined by Creaney who replaced Jackson moments later.

O’Connor made another good save with his legs before Bettles set up Creaney who fired just over the bar.

Creaney had a great chance to break the deadlock but a defender did well to block his shot on the line.

Then came the late drama. Jordon Richards was crudely sent crashing to the ground, landing heavily on his back and head. The referee played the advantage allowing Parsons to continue before firing wide.

With the Notts County academy player still prostrate and motionless on the ground, the referee ignored Town’s appeals for the physio to be called on and allowed play to continue with a goal-kick, from which Desborough broke and Jones scored the winner with seconds remaining.

Richards was allowed treatment before the match restarted and played until the end of the match. The referee informed joint-manager Arron Parkinson after the match that he believed Richards had got back on to his feet.

Ben Sanderson has signed a new three-year deal at Northants.

The contract extension will keep him at the County until the end of the 2020 campaign.

The right-arm seamer has played a pivotal role since his first involvement with the club in 2015.

The 28-year-old has played in a total of 27 first class matches for Northants, taking 97 wickets, with best bowling figures of eight for 73 against Gloucestershire in 2016.

He has played eight List A matches, taking nine wickets, with best figures of three for 36, against Durham.

The Yorkshireman has played a total of 13 T20 matches and taken 15 wickets, with an impressive bowling display of three for 31 against Durham Jets in last year's final.

And Northants head coach David Ripley is delighted that Sanderson will be sticking around.

“Sando is an improving cricketer with a hunger to get even better," Ripley said.

"He is a high quality English seamer, highly skilled in all formats and a very popular lad in the dressing room.

"It’s great to know he sees his future with us.”

Ripley's happiness is mirrored by Sanderson.

The bowler said: “I am delighted to be staying on at Northants.

"I’ve had a great few years here with a great bunch of lads and am looking forward to continuing to develop and improve my cricket.”