Rugby Union:
Superb Saints overcome the leaders

Rugby St Andrews 22 Stockwood Park 21

Midlands Three East (South)

SAINTS stunned league leaders Stockwood Park on Saturday when Ryan Taylor held his nerve to send an 80th minute touchline conversion through the middle of the uprights.

The hosts dominated the first quarter with dynamic attacking play as the forwards and backs linked seamlessly.

Stockwood were defending for their lives in the early stages but were unable to halt a swift riposte from a loose pass and Paddy Howard touched down.

Taylor narrowly missed the conversion and was also off target with his first penalty attempt, his second attempt proved more fruitful though and brought another three points.

Saints seemed to lose concentration briefly as Stockwood edged ahead with a converted try and a penalty and suddenly the visitors were causing plenty of problems with their free-flowing game coming to the fore.

The hosts’ line-out faltered and what possession they gained was squandered by the backs with wild passing and poor options.

Fortunately the defence remained relatively solid and the visitors were restricted to a couple of penalties and a single try, but still seemed to be in control at 21-8 with only five minutes, plus a little injury time remaining.

Saints skipper Billy Butlin called for one last effort and the team responded magnificently with renewed urgency and vigour.

A series of forward drives close to the opposition line finally paid dividends when Craig Jones crashed over for a try superbly converted from the touchline by Taylor.

Quickly piling back upfield, Saints saw Spencer Brown wriggle over after sustained pressure giving Taylor the chance to seal victory, and he made no mistake.

Saints’ success means that next league opponents Biggleswade take over top spot, but next up on Saturday is a Senior Vase third round trip to Burntwood who suffered their first defeat of the season on Saturday.

THE 2nds produced a disciplined performance to win 22-17 at Leamington 2nds.

Because the home side were unable to field a suitable front row the referee insisted on passive scrimmaging which negated Saints’ strength in his area and allowed Leamington’s young flyers plenty of unchallenged possession.

Despite this, Saints’ pack provided ample good ball for the backs to run in four tries which was enough for victory.

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