Deepings 6 Rugby St Andrews 3

FORCED into a late rearrangement of the team that floored Long Buckby the previous week, Saints couldn't reproduce that performance against a hefty home outfit. That muscle-power was reinforced by the howling wind in the first half, and the Rugby men were pinned back on their own line for the first 20 minutes. They resisted splendidly to restrict their hosts to a single penalty and

reacted to that setback with a concerted assault of their own - but, having hauled themselves level via Mark Brightwell's penalty, they promptly conceded another kick on the stroke of half-time.

Saints had plenty of ball in the second period but they in turn found it difficult to translate that into clear opportunities. And although Wayne Bates did manage to cross the line midway through the half, the unsighted referee was unable to award the try as four Deepings defenders bundled the winger into touch.

Saints were left to reflect on the poor discipline and misplaced passes that contributed to their defeat and will certainly need to be improved on Saturday when they face table-topping Peterborough Lions, a team packed with South African experience and currently averaging 40 points per game.