By Grant Futtock, Cheerleading Correspondent.

A degree of consternation was expressed yesterday by season ticket holders at the Stoop at the news that the legendary Columbinas, who gave a consumate display before kick-off, were to be usurped during the half-time entertainment slot by a troupe of American imports.

A combined team of Miami Dolphins and Tampa Bay Buccaneers cheerleaders, in association with Harlequins’ drink sponsor Gatorade, took the field to show our boys how the Yanks do it. Sadly for them the bitterly-cold wind rather took the edge off proceedings but at least this cultural exchange contributed to a distinct revival in the circulations of some rather sad middle-aged gentlemen in the LV= Stand.

Thankfully, because once again - after a Cottage Pie & two veg plus eight pints of London Pride in the Prince Blucher public house off Twickenham Green - your reporter had an urgent half-time appointment with the facilities, his assistant was able to persuade the Columbinas to pose for a group together before leaving the ground.