Rugby Union:
Saints exit Vase

Burntwood 27 Rugby St Andrews 12

RFU Senior Vase Round Three

HAVING been forced into a number of changes, Saints travelled expecting a difficult game against a Burntwood side still smarting from their only defeat of the season the previous week, and they were not disappointed.

Ryan Sabin and Ash Pringle made their first starts for the visitors who soon found themselves on the back foot. The loss of Ryan Taylor to injury did little to help their cause but despite the heavy pressure from the hosts, led by captain Billy Butlin, Saints defended well.

When the visitors did steal possession back, poor options and weak kicking immediately put them under the cosh once more and the pressure finally told when Burntwood scored a converted try despite a valiant effort from player-coach Wayne Morgan.

The hosts extended their lead through a penalty before Saints began to rally and they started to win clean ball before running at the home side and making good yards.

They were rewarded on the stroke of half time when Fraser Caithness took a short pass and weaved his way over for a try which Morgan converted.

Burntwood carried a three-point lead into the second half and now had the slope in their favour.

Saints battled hard to keep them out but Burntwood forced their way over eventually for another converted try.

The visitors were not going to lie down and die though and they forced their way back into Burntwood territory, from where prop Mark Dunkley took the ball from a ruck and drove down the blind side to cross for a try.

The longer the game wore on the more pressure Saints came under and with no replacements to call on, tiredness began to tell.

A Burntwood penalty sent them two scores clear before an injury time put a gloss on the final scoreline.

Saints return to league action on Saturday when they travel to Biggleswade who have taken over at the top of table.

It will be Saints’ third league game in row against the side who currently lead the way and they will be hoping some of the injured players will be able to travel as they look to close the gap at the top of the table.

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