We couldn't train outside yesterday because of the frost – but we managed to improvise and find some indoor tennis courts to do our rugby session.

In a week like this, with such an important game at the end of it, not training on the Wednesday was simply not an option.

We managed to get ourselves indoors at Next Generation, so no time was wasted. Luckily they had a few courts free, so we improvised – and I can tell you now that the Southern Hemisphere boys were happy they didn't have to train outside!

Some of us, however, were out there on the scrummaging machine at 8.30am while the backs sat by the radiators warming their hands and doing their nails.

The machine was pretty much welded to the floor but we managed to get it moving in the end – which we had to do after the way things went against Gloucester.

It was a complete mess at the scrum and it seemed to be a case of players getting away with whatever they could.

Overall, I suppose we weren't helped by London Irish giving Gloucester a spanking the week before, but I didn't think the scoreline really reflected how the game went – because it wasn't that bad for us.

We know there are certain key areas we need to improve when we go to Northampton on Saturday – and our focus is purely on us, not them.

As we head into the new year, I suppose I should mention our Secret Santa – although there are plenty of presents I really can't talk about in a family newspaper.

Darren Crompton was given another sweet trolley.

I think he must have one for himself, his daughter and his missus now, while Lee Robinson got some hay, which was all nicely wrapped up for him.

I didn't get away unscathed. Someone bought me a book I am about to get stuck into: Mental Maths for Ages 6 to 7. I can't wait.

Happy new year, everyone – and thanks to all of you who came out in the cold to support us at the weekend.