Midlands 3 West (South)
Rugby St Andrews 45 Manor Park 7
After the setback at Ledbury the previous week, Saints returned to basics and comfortably saw off Manor Park to secure a bonus point win to stay top of the league, level on points with Old Coventrians
Winger Ned Morley-Cottrell and Dan Hull crossed for the opening tries, both converted by Ryan Taylor.
Manor Park then started to use the wind to their advantage and the only other score was from the visitors’ centre.
Saints started the second half with Morley-Cottrell crossing again. The bonus point was secured after 50 minutes, Lloyd Warner made a break down the wing and his inside pass found the supporting Gauthier Arnoux , converted by Taylor.
Saints attacked straight from the restart but lost possession in the Manor Park 22, the visitors clearance kick was poor. Fullback Paddy Howard collected and skipped through the defence to cross for a try.
Dan Hull rampaged through the middle of the park leaving defenders in his wake to claim his second try on the hour, again both converted by Ryan Taylor.
The final quarter was a lot quieter, Saints continued to press but couldn’t find a way through the defence and were put under some pressure themselves when reduced to 14 men for a yellow card offence.
Restored to a full compliment Saints scored a try in the final minute when Man of the match Ned Morley-Cottrell squeezed over in the corner to complete his hat-trick.
Sunday will see Saints travel to Spartans in the semi-final of the Warwickshire Shield. Then they will be on the road, firstly to joint leaders Old Coventrians (Feb 15) and then to Old Leamingtonians (Feb 22) before returning to Ashlawn Road on the 29th to host Woodrush.
Saints 2nd XV beat Manor Park 2nd XV 74-14.
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