St Neots 27 Cantabrigians 7 HIGH-flying Cantabrigians were swept aside in this friendly rugby union fixture. Despite a number of absences, the strength in depth of the Saints squad was highlighted by some impressive set-piece and back play. The visitors t

St Neots 27

Cantabrigians 7

HIGH-flying Cantabrigians were swept aside in this friendly rugby union fixture.

Despite a number of absences, the strength in depth of the Saints squad was highlighted by some impressive set-piece and back play.

The visitors took the lead early on, exploiting an uncharacteristic gap in the St Neots defence to score a converted try.

The setback lifted the home side and pressure forced their visitors into errors in the pack, which winger Adam Peel was able to exploit for a try before another well-worked move saw Phil Ferny put in for a try of his own to make the score 10-7 at half-time.

With the low sun hovering just above the tree line, Cantabs witnessed a dazzling second-half display from their hosts.

After 50 and 60 minutes, Peel and Ferny, respectively, added tries but debut-making winger Joe Wroczynski had to be alert to make a try-saving tackle on the Saints line.

With time running out, Ferny crossed the line to secure his hat-trick try, which was converted by James Fitch to add a pleasing gloss to the scoreline.

Attention returns to the league campaign this Saturday with a rearranged home fixture against strugglers March.

Meanwhile, St Neots II secured a 15-11 win at Potton in a game that emphasised how a good side is one that can win when not playing well.

Potton pinned Saints back for much of the first half but the defence held firm to keep the scoresheet blank.

Rare forays into Potton territory earned St Neots two scores as Steve Gibson converted a penalty, and Stuart Miller pounced on good work from Andy Samm to score a try.

Gibson added the conversion to give the visitors a flattering 10-0 lead at the break.

Potton redoubled their efforts after the interval and forced two penalties as the Saints scrum retreated.

However, St Neots' dominance in the lineout earned them another try when Ross Wooding set up flanker Tom Warboys to score in the corner.

Potton again enjoyed a period of pressure as the clock ran down and took advantage of some dubious refereeing to secure another try, but time ran out and Saints held on for a 15-11 victory.