Saints climb to the Mount

A rag tag bunch of Saints Sinners and Hatfield heroes set off to The Mount for the mighty 2’s first outing of the year. Morale was high as ID was handed over; many gates were opened and closed and the team were joined by Graham ‘Alexie’ Sale of the HM prison service. Finally after a long preseason a game of rugby could begin for the 2’s. The Mount were younger, fitter, faster and stronger. There were more of them and as they came barrelling through the Saints defence in the opening moments it looked like it could be a long afternoon in the sun. Only some great last ditch defence from Pierre Figon and the brilliant Jack Dempsey kept the game scoreless in the opening 15 minutes.

The Saints grew into the game however. Callum, Ciran, Damo and Mark began carrying with intent around the fringe and Joe began pulling the string outside. Dale nearly went over but a turnover saw an end-to-end counter from the Mount and the score was 5-0. Saints score next as Dale read a pass perfectly to intercept and somehow the Saints were ahead. 7-5. Sadly, Calum left the field after a bone shuddering tackle and Dale followed soon after with a twisted knee. The Mount kindly lent players and at 15-14 the game could continue. The Mount scored two
quick tries but ‘Alexie’ crashed over just before halftime to leave the match nicely poised at 17-14 as they went into the break.

The second half began as the first had with the mount battering away at the Saints line. Then crashing over. Saints replied as Dempsey and Nelson combined to send JD away down the left-hand side. 40 metres later Dempsey was there for the return pass back on the inside and over her went for a fabulous score. 24 – 19. This was Dempsey’s last involvement in the game as a knock to the head saw him leave the field and the Saints go down to 13.

Brave defence, particularly from centres Duncan and Gareth kept the Mount working but two tries in the next 15 minutes saw them stretch away. To 38 – 19. Saints rallied on last time and with Luke Cuneen and debutant Tom Green working tirelessly at the breakdown the 2’s made their way into the opposition 22. The Forwards battered away manfully and then released the backs allowing JD to break through and offload for a well-deserved try for Green and a try bonus point. The Mount found one more scoring run and the final whistle went on an entertaining game with the final score Saints 26 - The Mount 45.

Skipper for the day JD was to knackered to give a quote but we are sure he was incredibly proud of the effort and grateful to those who turned up and gave their all. A huge thank you to the Mount for being such great host. Onto next week where the Saints have their first home game of the season Vs Fullerians.