It was on a Monday, when the father of Patti's baby arrived on the commune with some sensemilla he had grown himself.

In the internecine rivalries of large corporations, whole departments may become expendable in the execution of one executive's power play.

Flood burst into space and after drawing Italy full-back Luke McLean, the impressive 25-year-old passed to the supporting Ashton on his left shoulder, the Northampton wing having a clear run to the line and scoring the try with a swallow dive that will not be welcomed too warmly by England's management team.

Dalziel scratched his crotch reflectively, then replied in a fawning Heepish tone, “I'm sorry, Mrs Maciver, I know what you must be feeling, but it's not my decision. ..."