OA Saints take league’s biggest scalp

OA Saints

OA Saints - Credit: Archant

OA Saints showed their title credentials with a 31-22 win over reigning champions Blackheath at Woollams.

The match was played in bright sunshine but with a strong wind blowing straight down the pitch. Saints chose to go against the wind in the first half, and the first 15 minutes was played almost without a stoppage as both teams kept the ball in hand and there were few errors.

Blackheath opened the scoring after 24 minutes, but Saints scored a try of their own three minutes later through Robyn King and full-back Katie Robertson converted to make it 7-5 to Saints. The lead was short-lived however and four minutes later Blackheath scored, and went into half-time 10-7 up.

Saints turned around at the break with the wind in their favour, but Blackheath scored first to make it 15-7. After another tight first 15 minutes of the half, the Blackheath scrum-half and captain was sent to the sin-bin for stamping and in the 10 minutes she was off the field Saints put on 12 points through tries from King and Sophie Tyler to go ahead, 19-15.

Prolonged Saints pressure followed, including Laura Graceffa being held-up in the corner, before Saints scored another brace of tries through the same two players, making it 31-15. Blackheath scored from the kick-off to bring the score to 31-22 with four minutes remaining on the clock, but it was too far to come back.

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This win keeps Saints top of the table before they visit Romford & Gidea on Sunday.

Full-back Nicola Cameron was back of the match while open-side Jodie Rettie was the top forward.

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