Bath Saracens 17 – Cricklade 20
Bath Saracens put together a much improved performance and came close to securing their first win of the season against third placed Cricklade. Sarries were pleased to welcome back Max Hemmings for his first appearance since suffering a serious knee injury against the same opponents at the start of last season.
Playing into the wind in the first half the home side found themselves under pressure in the set plays from the opposition’s heavier pack. However their defence was well organised and they looked the more dangerous side in the loose.
The deadlock was broken midway through the first half when Alex Reilly touched down for the first try. Cricklade soon drew level when they forced their way over from a line out on the 5 metre mark, and the successful conversion saw them edge ahead.
Sarries then took the lead again with Paul Blankley touching down in the corner. Once again Cricklade were quick to respond with a second try of their own, and went into the half time break leading 12 -10.
The score remained the same for the third quarter. Then an injury to Sarries winger Ashley Noakes resulted in a long delay, and the teams moved to an adjacent pitch to complete the final quarter.
Eventually Cricklade broke the deadlock when Sarries gave away a penalty deep in their own half. The visitors gratefully accepted the three points on offer, and then stretched their lead further when they touched down in the corner for their third try. With time running out Sarries were desperate to come away with some reward for their efforts. Their determination paid off when they broke out from deep in their own half and Reilly was at hand to finish off the move and add the conversion. While this wasn’t enough to secure the much needed win, they at least had the consolation of a well deserved losing bonus point.
Rob Lawrence
