Seconds down Dings

Despite being forced into a total of nine changes to the previous outing the Seconds rolled back the years to defeat the Dings third string. Regardless of the level it is always gratifying to put one over the old enemy, something which has been lacking in the last decade.
However after the first twenty minutes it looked a familiar story with the Lockleaze outfit crossing for three tries due to an element of luck together with some poor defence.
It was apparent however we had more than an edge behind the scrum and as we came to terms up front we were able to release our backs and make inroads into the Dings lead. The back three of Warren, Thyer and Bull were in great form, scoring a try apiece,and with two converted by Caple pulling us back to 17-19 at the break.
The first 20 minutes of the second half was a real arm wrestle with neither side willing to yield an inch.
Dings eventually pulled further ahead with a penalty and when Davidge was sin binned things looked ominous especially as Dings moved into an 8 point lead.
However the lads refused to buckle and threw caution to the winds running the ball at every opportunity which resulted in George Thyer crossing for a try which was superbly converted by Caple from the touch line.
Saints saved the best try to last when a sweeping move saw full back Warren dot down beneath the sticks. Caple's conversion put Saints in the lead for the first time 31-25.
Dings not surprisingly refused to give up and battered away at the try line.
Despite great efforts in defence they squeezed over in the corner to bring them within a point.
However the conversion attempt was unsuccessful and the game was over.
After the first poor twenty minutes the lads deserve great credit for turning the game round and getting the win.
Thanks to the lads from the Thirds who stepped up, without them victory would not have been achieved, and again a special mention to the back three. Also great to see the return of Rob Shaw Williams and Scott Curry. Commiserations and best wishes to Callum Partridge who appears to have picked up a serious knee injury .
Hopefully before long we will have a full squad available even if it would provide a few headaches at selection time.