Saints last game of the 2017-18 season was a solid and spectacular finale, witnessed by our largest number of supporters so far pushing three figures.
Typical British wet and miserable weather did not dampen both visitors Chesham and home side Saints to an entertaining and physical battle. Chesham made it clear from kick off that they were not here for the ride and took the early passages of play in to the Saints half. Unable to break down some aggressive defending, the visitors tried a variety of options, again halted by some strong defence.
As the half wore on Saints started to take greater control, finding gaps and linking play well, eventually the ball was worked wide to Chambers, who out sprinted the cover tackler for a score, extras missed 5 – 0 Saints.
Chesham responded but were unable to find a through the saints defences. A few penalty exchanges disrupted the flow of play for both sides. Some slick hands meant the ball found its way to McKenna, who put the gas on to round the defence for score number 2, extras missed 10 – 0 Saints.
Half time discussion in the Saints changing room set about upping the pace, being clinical and managing the breakdown better.
Chesham began the second half on the front foot again, looking for any weaknesses in the home defence. Saints had other ideas with some tough tackling and good hands put McKenna under the posts again her second try, converted by Robertson 17- 0 Saints.
The game was drawing to a close, both teams showing the effects of a long season. The ball was worked through several pairs of hands to Gilbert, who raced through for her first ever try, extras added by Robertson 24 – 0 Saints
The final play of the game was a push for the saints to get that all important bonus point. A fantastic steal led to King racing under the posts for the bonus point try, converted by Robertson 31 – 0 Saints (final score)
Head Coach Brown said, “The coaching staff and I are very proud of the effort every squad member made throughout the season, we may have missed out on a play off spot but should be happy with the way we finished the campaign. 6 wins, 5 with bonus points, shows the character and ability of this squad. Some injuries and players unavailable hit us hard in the middle part of the season; however, the squad has gelled well. We have already started planning for next season, but first the players need to rest and enjoy some down time”.
Saints Club Captain
