The Saints powered to a dominant win against Trojans RFC to win the National Championship 1 south.

Going into the game, the Woollams outfit knew that they had to win with a try bonus point and have another result go their way in order to take top spot their first year in the league.

The torrid conditions limited the first half to an attritional game that only the purists could enjoy. Both teams played conservative games fearful of unforced errors. Shortly before the interval, Saints established field position deep in the Trojans 22. After building the phases and approaching the try line, Siobhan Drummond came off her wing to crash over from short range to take the home side into half time 7-0 ahead.

After the break, the Saints had the blustering wind at their backs and wasted no time in using the conditions to pin Trojans back deep in their half. Similar to their opening score, the Saints built the phases and physicality to take themselves over the line to extend the lead to 12-0.

Once they’d gained their second score, the Saints never looked back. Knowing they had to secure a bonus point to win the league they played aggressive, adventurous rugby. Off a centre field scrum, they ball was shipped wide to electric full back Caroline Bolton who dived over in the corner to extend the Saints lead, 17-0

This new found confidence soon paid dividends as Charlotte Hamlyn-Williams touched down for her first score of what proved to be a Forward of the Match performance.

Shortly thereafter, Siobhan Drummond punished a less than perfect Trojans exit by powering through no less than six tackle attempts to crash over. This took the Saints lead to 22-0.

Once again the Saint powerful forwards crashed over after attritional play deep in the Trojans 22. This furthered the now Champions lead to 27-0, thus securing the crucial bonus point that has since seen the OA’s women take the championship.

Not satisfied with just the bonus point, the Saints pressed on to score two further tries from Rocky Clarke and Steph Plunkett respectively.

The Saints have achieved an incredible feat of winning the highest league at their disposal in the amateur game in England. This unprecedented victory will power them into the cup campaign which starts in two weeks at home to the 4th placed team in the National Championship 1 North league. The final standing in this league is still to be finalised though due to cancellations this weekend

Paul Adams,

Saints Manager