RUGBY St Andrews made the perfect start to the season with a comprehensive 67-14 bonus point opening day win away at Deepings to move top of the table.
Saints ran in 10 tries at Spalding Road as Ben Davison and Carl Lopeman both crossed twice while George Headley, Jack Kettleborough, Kalum Goodfellow, James Carty, Elliot Hudson and a penalty try all added to Rugby’s total.
The result means Rugby sit top of the Counties 3 Midlands East (South) table after one fixture, leading the standings on points difference.
After pre-season wins against Old Leamingtonians 2nds and Shottery, Rugby handed starts to five debutants in their league opener.
Despite Deepings scoring the game’s first try after just four minutes, Rugby responded soon after as captain Headley ran an excellent line to score under the posts with Joe Hudson converting.
And Saints took the lead after winger E Hudson broke down the wing before passing to Kettleborough who finished in the corner with J Hudson again adding the extras.
The visitors scored their third try as Goodfellow finished from the back of a ruck 15-metres from the line before Davison’s quickfire double saw Saints claim a bonus point.
And with half time approaching, prop Lopeman crossed for a try before debutant James Carty dotted down as J Hudson kicked both conversions to put Saints into a 43-7 lead at the break.
Deepings scored their second try following the restart, however, Rugby passed the 50-point mark when a high tackle on J Hudson saw the referee award a penalty try with the Saints player trying to ground the ball.
Further tries from Hudson and a second score from Lopeman added some gloss to the scoreline as Kettleborough’s successful conversion completed the scoring.
Rugby are next in action at home to Rugby Lions on Saturday, September 23 with kick-off at 3pm at the Hillmorton Grounds.
