The Saints suffered a fourth defeat in five Midlands Division Three East (South) outings this season when going down 32-17 to high-flying Long Buckby last Saturday. The scoreline was harsh on a St Neots side who produced arguably their best rugby of the season to hold a 17-10 advantage after an hour. But the promotion-chasing visitors dominated the final quarter to take victory and leave Cartwright pondering what might have been. The St Neots captain admitted: As individuals we need to work on our fitness. We need to be able to play a whole match at the same intensity that we managed for 60 minutes in this game. If we can do that, I am confident we can compete with any team in this division. Hooker Jack Haywood scored St Neots first try against Long Buckby with a catch and drive from a line-out before Cartwright picked up a loose ball and charged over for a second score to leave the teams deadlocked at 10-10 at half-time. Replacement prop Josh Lofty then made a spell of Saints pressure pay off to go over for a converted try which put them into that seven-point cushion, but they were unable to repel Long Buckby in the final 20 minutes. The Northamptonshire side ran in three tries to create a flattering final outcome. St Neots remain second-bottom ahead of a crucial trip to the team directly above them, Northampton BBOB, this Saturday.
