St Neots Saints extended their magnificent 100 per cent record in Midlands Division Four East (South) to 12 games – but their latest success came complete with a warning from their coach.

Boss John Blenkharn was not impressed by the way Thorney were allowed to score three late tries at The Common, although his side had built an unassailable advantage before taking their feet off the gas.

Flanker Rob Black was the first to go over down the blindside for the opening try before Cameron Howson collected a pass from Hardiman to cross again.

Thorney responded with a score in the corner, but Saints had the answers as Hardiman helped himself to a quickfire hat-trick of tries.

Saints led 27-10 at the break and quickly extended their lead following the resumption as Luke Warburton finished off a well-worked move.

Joe Woodgate was the next man to touch down with St Neots’ final score after debutant centre Russ Munro had charged down a kick, but the remainder of the action came at the other end as Thorney gradually ate into their arrears with three tries in the closing 20 minutes.

But they couldn’t get any closer than nine points adrift as Saints’ proud record continued.

Blenkharn said: “While the general feeling after the game was disappointment due to conceding those late tries, we still got the bonus point win and scored 41 points against a very strong Thorney team.

“At times our attacking structure was superb. We now need to ensure that we retain an element of intensity in defence for the full 80 minutes.”

St Neots are now 12 points clear of closest rivals Old Newtonians with just six league games remaining.

However, they look set to face another stern test on Saturday when travelling to third-placed Bedford Swifts.