Northampton Mens Own 1's vs Rugby St Andrews 1's

Northampton Mens Own 17 Rugby St Andrews 46

Counties 3 Midlands East (South)

Saints made the trip to third-placed Mens Own and returned with their fifth bonus point win of the season to maintain top spot in the league.

Saints made the perfect start with the returning Jack Kettleborough crossing for a try after 3 minutes. This early score spurred on the hosts and Saints were guilty of giving away needless penalties at the breakdown, one of which was successfully converted to reduce the deficit. The run of penalties continued allowing Mens Own to relieve the pressure but eventually Saints got back onto the front foot and the backs made good inroads. Winger Ben Davison was on hand to cross in the corner after quick passing created an overlap out wide with Chris Halcrow adding the conversion. Captain George Headley was next to cross as he weaved his way through some weak tackling to score after 38 minutes and the bonus point was wrapped up before halftime when winger Elliott Hudson used his pace and footwork to cross for a try converted by Chris Halcrow.

Saints again made a quick start to the second half when they chipped the ball through close to the Mens Own line, the ball was covered by the fullback but his attempted clearance went straight to Ben Davison who strolled over for an easy try. Saints then came under increased pressure with Mens Own using their pack at close quarters to pick and drive, with Saints again being penalised at the rucks, the hosts took advantage to score two quickfire converted tries to close the gap. The final quarter however belonged to the visitors. Replacement Fraser Caithness crossed after an hour following a line-out catch and drive, fellow replacement Tanveer Devgun then gathered a cross kick before winning the chase to the ball from his own kick ahead to score in the corner on debut with his first involvement of the game. The eighth and final try came in the closing stages, Ryan Taylor winning the race to the ball from his own kick deep into the hosts 22.

Saints have a week off this weekend and still sit top of the league 5 points ahead of Northampton BBOB who recorded their own bonus point win against Rugby Lions, the Northampton side however play their game in hand this weekend. Saints are on the travels again for their next game when they make a first-ever visit to Sileby Town on 4 November.