When a hurricane in the form of Saints Tracy Porter intercepted a Peyton Manning pass and returned it for a 74 yard touchdown deep into the 4th quarter, Indianapolis knew the Colt had bolted and perhaps the most romantic fairytale in gridiron history was about to be told.

With only 3 : 12 minutes on the clock Manning tried manfully to rally his troops one last time but the trophy was headed to the hurricane ravaged city of New Orleans.

Often derided as being the 'Aints' the men in black and gold showed the same kind of resolve that saw their home town rise from the ashes of first Hurricane Katrina and then Hurricane Rita to clinch the national crown 31-17 and didn't they deserve it.

Twice the Saints had to come from behind before Porter picked off Manning's intended pass to Reggie Wayne leaving the Colts needing two touchdowns to win a game they had started as favourites.

But there was not going to be a comeback as Sean Payton, Saints head coach, directed the good ship New Orleans safely home.

Drew Brees, the Saints quarterback, was rightly voted MVP (Most Valuable Player) for a match winning performance in which he completed 32 of 39 passing attempts for 288 yards and two touchdowns.

The fans in the stadium and those back home from Bourbon Street to the Lower Ninth Ward went wild with delight as finally New Orleans had made national and international news headlines and the only disaster belonged to Indianapolis.