Saints come from behind to gain a dramatic win against league leaders Blackheath to close the gap at the top.

They travelled to Blackheath looking to bounce back after their previous games’ defeat against Thurrock.

The game started slowly with injury stoppages for both sides. Once the game restarted, Blackheath opened the scoring with a quick tap off a scrum penalty on the Saints 5m line.

The away side responded immediately after returning a loose kick for a 60m try, allowing Siobhan Drummond to touch down under the posts. Collie’s conversion was perfect, bringing the score to 7-7.

Just before the half time whistle, Saints suffered a yellow card as Georgina Kreysa was sent to the bin for not retreating 10m off a penalty.

Emboldened by their response, the Woolams outfit pressed on and gained a further try after sustaining pressure in the opposition 22, leading to Drummond crashing over to extend the lead 12-7.

Shortly after, the Saints score another after captain Mica Gooding scooped up the loose ball before powering 50m down the pitch, offloading to Ange Wadham who returned the ball allowing Gooding to dot down out wide, taking the score to 17-7, leading into the final 10 minutes.

Blackheath gained possession and gained position deep in the Saints’ 22. Their scrum dominance allowed them to gain numerous penalties, leading to scrumhalf, Eloise Bloomfield being sent to the bin, for the Saints’ second yellow card of the game. Shortly after, Steph Plunkett was also sent to the sidelines after repeated infringements, meaning the away side would see out the game with 13.

Blackheath’s scrum dominance proved fruitful, as the forwards crashed over to being the score back to 14-17, leading to a nail biting finish.

The depleted Saints defence rallied, and showed fantastic desire in defence to hold out the onslaught. At the final whistle, the score was 14-17.

Forwards coach Harry Mack commented ‘this was a much improved performance from the girls after the last game. Some of our phase play in attack was the best I’ve seen this season. There’s still plenty to work on, mainly our discipline, but today will serve to renew the energy and set a foundation that we can build upon.’

The Saints will look to carry the momentum gained from this game as they welcome Henley Hawkes next week at home.

Paul Adams,

Saints Manager