Saints kick-start cup campaign as talented young stars shine against Tigers

Skipper Jonny Weimann and fly-half Hugh Shields lit up DPD Stadium at Franklin's Gardens during the early stages against Leicester Tigers, and scrum-half Sonny Goode then seized his chance to impress after replacing Weimann during the first half.

Goode delivered a display to remember as he and Shields showcased their excellent skills, while so many other men displayed their class during what was an eye-catching 80 minutes from the dominant hosts, who secured a bonus-point 39-19 win.

Saints scored seven tries on the night, the majority of which were worthy of adding to the season's highlights reel.

There were strong showings all over the field as Saints put their two September PREM Rugby Cup away defeats firmly in the rear view mirror.

The home side had made their intent clear from the off on derby-day, playing with great speed, skill and strength as they pulled Tigers from pillar to post.

Their backs soon unlocked Leicester with a silky move that resulted in Weimann firing a fantastic long pass out to James Martin, who finished in flying fashion in the right corner.

Shields, who had been at the heart of the move, missed the tough conversion from the touchline before Tigers tried to respond, only to be thwarted by some strong defence from the home side.

Saints were playing some sublime rugby, with Shields bamboozling Tigers, Charlie Ulcoq carrying with great force and wing Thomas Rowe causing all sorts of problems with his direct running.

Another well-worked try soon arrived, with Weimann the provider again, as he landed an excellent crossfield kick in the hands of Rowe, who gathered above his head and dived over the line.

Shields missed the conversion from the right touchline again, and Saints were soon reduced to 14 men as loosehead prop Oliver Scola was sin-binned for obstruction on George Pearson.

However, the home side held out after the penalty was kicked to the corner and Toby Thame then did some fine work on halfway, making a huge hit on Ryan Crowley to get him into touch.

Saints used the possession so well, as they had throughout the formative stages of the match, with Martin's magical flick setting up Thame for another brilliant try.

It was third time lucky for Shields with the conversion from way out on the right as he extended the Saints lead to 17 points.

Saints suffered a blow soon after though as Weimann had to hobble off the field after suffering an injury, bringing Goode into the action.

Goode's first act was to make a try-saving tackle in front of his own posts, but Tigers recycled the ball and hooker Samiuela Moli powered over.

Joseph Woodward converted to cut the gap to 10 points and Tigers tried to kick on, but full-back Martin did well to gather inside his own 22 and lead a break that ultimately led to Saints winning possession back inside the away 22.

The black, green and gold were in unstoppable mood and after the forwards carried with fire and desire, Shields launched a clever kick to the left, where Amena Caqusau gathered and easily won his one-on-one with Wilf McCarthy to score.

Shields missed the conversion to leave the score at 22-7, with Saints certainly deserving of their sizeable lead at half-time.

Tigers needed to mount a response after the break, and they turned to one of their strengths to get them back in the game, using a dominant lineout drive to allow Moli to etch his name on the scoresheet for the second time.

The conversion was missed and Saints hit back almost immediately, with Goode and Caqusau combining on the left before Shields produced another crossfield kick for Martin to score.

Shields missed the conversion but Tigers were soon down to 14 men as Adam Radwan was sin-binned for a deliberate knock-on as Saints attacked on the left.

Saints were then held up over the line but they kept coming, with their half-backs continuing to show their class.

Goode delivered arguably the moment of the night, which was saying something given what had gone before, as he danced through the Tigers defence and showcased some special handling to allow Caqusau to score on the left.

Shields converted and young lock Alex Mead was then sent on for his Saints debut.

Tigers notched their third try of the night when they were able to generate some quick ball and flanker Osian Thomas dived over under the posts.

Oscar Talbot converted but Saints were 39-19 up heading into the final 15 minutes of what had been a hugely entertaining match.

Highly-rated young wing Charlie Tamani was then sent on for his Saints debut, in place of the impressive Rowe.

Martin intervened to make a brilliant tap tackle on speedy wing Radwan, who had looked certain to score.

Will Catley was sin-binned for taking a man out in the air, but Saints held out again and Martin raced forward to force Radwan to concede a penalty just outside his own 22.

There were to be no more tries, but there was certainly plenty to be proud of for Saints as they received deserved acclaim for their efforts from their sizeable home support.

Saints: 15 James Martin; 14 Amena Caqusau, 13 Toby Thame, 12 Henry Lumley (Will Catley 33), 11 Thomas Rowe; 10 Hugh Shields, 9 Jonny Weimann (c) (Sonny Goode 28); 1 Oliver Scola (Jordan Els 51), 2 Craig Wright (Henry Walker 51), 3 Sonny Tonga’uiha (Noah Buxton 60); 4 Chunya Munga, 5 James Bennett (Alex Mead 61); 6 Archie Benson (JJ van der Mescht 73), 7 Charlie Ulcoq, 8 Josh Taylor.

Leicester Tigers: 15 George Pearson; 14 Adam Radwan, 13 Will Wand (Oscar Talbot 62), 12 Wilf McCarthy (Ollie Myall 70), 11 Ryan Crowley; 10 Joseph Woodward (c), 9 Ollie Allan (James Townsend 71); 1 Tarek Haffar (Kieran Ryan 56), 2 Samiuela Moli (Marcus Southwell 71), 3. Ale Loman (Diamond Ayiehfor 71); 4 Elliott Stooke (Tom Manz 48), 5 James Thompson; 6 Osian Thomas, 7 Samuel Williams (Josh Manz 45), 8 George Marsh.

Referee: George Selwood