UNBEATEN Rugby St Andrews delivered a first defeat of the Midlands Three West (South) season to Old Coventrians in a 17-14 win.
The Saints go top for the first time this season as a result after what was a tight encounter played in difficult conditions.
Despite missing a long-range penalty, Old Coventrians got the opening score their early play merited when crashing over for a converted try.
Rugby responded well and forced a mistake from the visitors, earning a penalty that was kicked to the corner.
The subsequent line-out was won, allowing Martin Wolfenden to go over, with Will Morgan’s conversion levelling the scores after 18 minutes.
Saints struck with a second try through Kalum Goodfellow to put the hosts in front, though a penalty allowed OCs to cross the line for a second converted score to lead 14-12 at the break.
Rugby emerged with purpose in the second half and pinned the visitors back in their own half.
Eventually, the breakthrough arrived when Ryan Taylor’s kick behind the defence caused indecision from OCs and allowed George Lee to collect possession and dive over the line.
Although the try was not converted, the score was enough to win the game, as the Saints dealt successfully with increasing pressure from the visitors.
Rugby host Old Leamingtonians on Saturday (2.15pm).
