The Saints returned to 15-a-side action at The Common on Saturday and picked up where they left off after their Hunts & Peterborough 10s Cup triumph, claiming a 31–27 victory in their first pre-season test against a strong Milton Keynes side.

The Saints struck early with a clear game plan and sharp execution. An early penalty was kicked to the corner, and from the ensuing pressure, Matthew Peppler-Jones powered over beneath the posts. Adam Watling added the extras for a 7–0 lead.

After a cagey midfield battle, Luke Evans sparked the next breakthrough, gathering a loose kick and sending through a deft chip-and-chase which was collected by Hari Fitzpatrick to double the advantage. Watling’s conversion made it 14–0.

Milton Keynes soon found their rhythm, camping in the Saints’ 22 before eventually forcing their way over to cut the deficit to 14–7. But the hosts responded in style as fresh legs brought immediate impact. Barnaby Dingemans won a turnover penalty straight from the restart, and Watling’s clever handling freed Lewis Rook for the first of his two tries, restoring the cushion at 21–7.

Milton Keynes hit back through a superb offload from their openside flanker, narrowing the score to 21–12, but just before the break Rook struck again, showing determination and power to twist his way over. At half-time, the Saints were in control at 28–12.

The second half began in similar fashion, with neither side able to gain a foothold. Milton Keynes eventually broke through first, exploiting an overlap on the blindside to make it 28–17.

With the wind picking up, the Saints’ ability to exit their half was tested. Dexter Searle and Pat Carpenter carried strongly up front, but Milton Keynes continued to use the conditions well, pinning the Saints back. A midfield penalty gave them the platform for a well-worked lineout move that finished in the corner, narrowing the game further to 28–22.

The Saints regrouped and produced their best spell of the half, enjoying sustained possession inside the MK half. A slick combination between Peppler-Jones and Rory Dingemans eventually sent Jack Wilke crashing over from close range to re-establish a two-score lead at 31–22.

Both sides defended stoutly in the closing stages, with neither able to carve out significant territory. Milton Keynes added a late consolation try in the final minute, but it was not enough to deny St Neots a deserved 31–27 victory.

Captain and Man of the Match Lewis Rook praised the effort:
“We stuck to our game plan and came away with a good win against a well-drilled MK side. It was also great to see so many players who have come through our Junior & Colts setup pulling on a senior shirt for the first time and putting in strong performances.”

Head Coach Paul Humphreys was also encouraged:
“A good start for our first real pre-season test. When we carried with intent our contact skills were strong, and defensively we were solid overall. There are still some key areas to work on, but we’re heading in the right direction and building for this Saturday’s first league game.”

The Saints now turn their focus to the season opener away at Leighton Buzzard, this Saturday, before returning to The Common for their first home league fixture on Saturday 13th September.