Saints made to trip to Maidenhead RFC to face a tough Guildford Gazelles side for the right to play Championship 1 South next season. Both teams came into the game confident on the back of strong a season in their respective leagues.

Saints, defending hard drew first blood when, after slick hands, Drummond went over the line. Conversation missed…. continued pressure by Guildford saw the penalty count rise, again some big hits created panic. Backs attacked again at pace, this time Saunders crossing to put Saints 10-0 up. As the half drew to a close the forwards got the try their efforts warranted… when a player dived through to score. Saunders added the conversion. Saints went in 17-0

2nd half was a huge defensive effort and Guildford were rewarded with a try halfway through the half 17-5 Saints led. Pressure from Guildford was non stop, Saints were starting to fatigue, penalties were mounting again, this time the official went to his pocket for a yellow…. down to 14 Saints were working overtime in defence as wave after wave of Guildford attacks were thwarted. Finally, the effort in defence told, as another yellow was produced. Now 13 Saints has to hold the Guildford attack at bay, which it did until 3 mins to go when they crashed over again… conversion missed! From the restart Saints were defending 4-5 phases on the Guildford 10m line when a carry came loose, after yet another big hit from a Saints player… final whistle blew. Saints had done it!!! Promotion to Championship 1 South.

Head Coach Brown said “A great team ethic and effort carried us through today. First half we were simply irresistible at times. Second half our defence was put under huge pressure by a very good Guildford side. The penalties cost us cards and rhythm, something we will address this week before the cup final. Sarah and I are hugely proud of this squad, they thoroughly deserved the result and plaudits”.

Darran Brown,

Saints Head Coach