Dumfries Saints made a welcome return to winning form as they notched up a bonus-point win over Gordonians.
The team has been struggling with significant injuries to key players and a string of away games against teams at the top end of the league. There’s hopes that they’ve put recent difficulties behind them and Saturday’s win with five tries (two converted) and a penalty has put them back on track to climb back up the SRU National League Division 2.
Saturday’s try scorers were Paddy Coupar (with a double), Finlay Miller and Rory Cockburn and ‘penalty try’. The five tries earned them the try-bonus point.
Playing with the wind, Saints set off at pace and rounded the visitors’ defence in only two minutes for an opening try, however, they didn’t get time to sit back on their laurels as Gordonians responded with a quick move to create their opening try a minute later. With only three minutes on the clock the score was five points apiece.
Gordonians tested Saints defence or lengthy phases but the Dumfries team held out well and conceded only one try (converted) to give the heavier Aberdeen pack a 12-5 interval lead.
Possession was evenly shared as both sides wrestled for the advantage. Saints outside-centre, Bobby Douglas was injred and substituted midway through the half.
Conditions were more difficult as the wind and squally showers increased throughout the afternoon. Because of the conditions, both sides were conceding penalties. Saints defence held out bravely before they latched on to opposition mistakes and produced two more tries and a penalty score to take a comfortable 18 points to 12 lead into the interval.
Play restarted with both sides battling hard but Saints scrummaged and rucked well to deny the visitors chances. As sustained pressure and conditions began to take their toll, the heavier Gordonians pack tired and Saints dominated play.
After a number of phases close to the visitors’ line, the referee awarded Saints a penalty try. Saints remained in control and added a fifth try with 15 minutes left to take their total to 32 points. Gordonians scored only one try to bring their final tally to 19 points.
The next home game is on Saturday, January 15 when they host Glasgow Accies (fourth in league). Saints beat both the Accies and the Bulls comfortably in matches early in season.
