Saints skipper Harry Trude was called up to the 1st XV to play 12 as a last minute replacement, with Fraser Morris once again captaining the team for the second consecutive weekend. In addition to the change of personnel, Saints scheduled opposition Shelford pulled out last minute handing the Blue and Gold a walkover win and seeking a last minute replacement. A big thank you to Southgate not only for stepping up at short notice with limited numbers but for also agreeing to travel to Boggymead meaning the club still had two home games to entertain the large crowd.

Saints were buoyed by the return of the some key faces, with a squad of 20 available players they were hoping everyone would get a run out in their preferred positions and some valuable game time, however, with the opposition short plans had to be changed. Having been helped out by opposition the previous weekend when short, Saints were happy to assist Southgate who had 11 available outfield players. A massive thank you to Jake Mounsden, James Dickinson, Max Nash, Pierre Alexander Figon, Ollie Stevenson and George Stephenson who all ran out for the visitors, meaning that we were able to play a competitive 14 vs 13 format. Southgate's captain was full of praise for our support and said after the match that the players thoroughly enjoyed the fixture.

Saints started strongly and were a try ahead after just five minutes, space opened up on the right hand side for Jamie Hissey to run in, Ollie Davies adding the extras 7-0 Saints. The lead was doubled before the ten minute mark, this time scrum half Sion McGregor, who had an outstanding afternoon building on his performance from the previous weekend, spotted a gap to go in under the posts, Ollie slotting an easy kick 14-0. Saints execution of the basics in the first half was exceptional at times, hard forward carrying in pods, strong rucking and excellent support play pulling in the opposition defence giving the backs plenty of space to play. The third try was one such occasion when the forwards gained metres, a quick ruck spread the ball to the midfield and a switch move saw Fraser Morris hit a gap in the centre, round the last defender to dot down in the left corner.

Saints kept up the momentum, in the pack the work rate was exceptional and the ball carrying of the tight five, in particular Luke Peel, Gus Baduel and Alex Gee was key to them retaining possession. Saints would add a fourth try in the opening quarter when space opened up on the right hand side, the forwards working hard once again to create quick ball, resulting in space out wide for Sion McGregor to race home. The fifth was added just five minutes later, Harry Hudnott touching down under the sticks, Ollie Davies adding the two, Saints up 31-0. Credit to Southgate they kept playing and had Saints defending for the last ten of the opening, eventually creating an overlap for their 12 to finish in the corner, extras added just before half time, score 31-7.

Southgate started the stronger in the second half and got their second try shortly after the restart to close the gap, Saints struggling to find the fluidity they had in the opening half. Due to providing the opposition with players, Saints had no subs and as fatigue set in some of the intensity of the first half faded as the match went on. The hosts steadied themselves and began to build once more, following a kick to the corner Saints catch and drive got them close to the Southgate try line. A number of phases followed and eventually Gus Baduel crashed over for his first of two scores, another impressive conversion from Ollie Davies from the touchline restored the gap to three converted scores. Five minutes later Jake Mounsden would get his name on the scoresheet following an intercept from a scrum, Ollie Davies adding an easy kick.

Saints would get the last score of the game taking them beyond the 50 point mark as Guy Baduel got his second, another conversion from Ollie Davies - FT 52-14.

Stand in captain Fraser Morris was full of praise for the team and the attitude of all the players "I was really pleased with the performance today, the execution of the basics was spot on and yet again the discipline of everyone was exceptional. Thank you to Southgate for coming down and our players that helped them out. There are some things we need to work on before Welwyn in a couple of weeks but it feels like we are building something in this group and with continuity in key positions we have the foundations for a successful season. Great to see some returning faces as well".

It wasn't all plain sailing for Saints, Hal Parkinson went off in the first half following a clash of heads that resulted in him being taken to hospital. Despite a nasty cut, we are pleased to confirm that Hal is OK and was discharged Saturday evening. He will be out for a few weeks and we wish him a speedy recovery. Congratulations to Luke Sicheri-Peel who was awarded man of the match for a fantastic all round performance, onwards and upwards for the Blue and Gold.