RFUW Championship South One OA Saints 12 Bath 17 The OA saints welcomed both Bath and Hertford to Woolams this weekend for two exciting matches. The First XV started well, putting immediate pressure on Bath, who are currently topping the league table. Th

RFUW Championship South One

OA Saints 12 Bath 17

The OA saints welcomed both Bath and Hertford to Woolams this weekend for two exciting matches.

The First XV started well, putting immediate pressure on Bath, who are currently topping the league table. The first points came from a great defensive Saints line, with Sarah McKenna exploiting an opportunity following some poor handling by Bath, powering through to score under the posts, followed by a successful conversion.

Bath retaliated with increased enthusiasm, using their long balls and swift wingers, forcing the Saints onto the back foot. The visitors seemed set to score until the Bath winger fumbled and dropped the ball over the try line. Following a few moments of indecision from the referee, no try was awarded. This was followed shortly after by another disallowed try for Bath but they weren't going to let a third chance go, eventually scoring to equalise.

Some great yardage from the Saints forwards, with Caz Rees and Lou Allen showing their legs and making awesome breaks, saw the ball shipped out wide to Sarah McKenna who sped up the pitch before off loading to Robyn King to score.

Second half possession was even, with great breaks from both teams but in the end Bath had the edge, bringing the final score to 12-17. Forward of the Match was Caz Rees and Back of the Match Sarah McKenna

Meanwhile, the Second XV faced local rivals Hertford on a wide pitch during chilly but dry conditions. They largely dominated the first half with Hertford rarely making it out of their own half, but possession was not turned into points until the closing minutes of the first half with fly half Grainger making a fantastic interception and running in an impressive individual try.

Hertford stepped it up in the second half, though saints managed to make it two tries with a fantastic team effort midway through the half. With the forwards working hard to earn possession for the team in the 22, the backs got the ball through the hands quickly and found the space out wide for winger Helen Sheriff to finish off.

Hertford piled on the pressure though the Saints displayed a strong defence. The visitors did manage to nip a try at the end but failed to take the victory, Saints winning 10-5.