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| 28 January 2003, 10:09 am |
| U21S Blown Away By Pumped Up London Irish |
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LONDON IRISH U21S 24
NORTHAMPTON SAINTS U21s 5
Saturday, January 25, 2003
Saints U21s welcomed Robbie Morris and Brett Sturgess back for their game against London Irish U21s, played in ideal conditions.
After an initial period of stalemate between the two packs in which Sturgess, after an eight-week lay-off through injury, was notable in his presence, London Irish took the lead with a breakaway try through the centres and their full-back. Irish then took the initiative and dominated the last 20 minutes of the first half by scoring a further two converted tries to go in 21-0 leaders at half-time.
Second half changes saw the introduction of Golding, Street and Paleschi in the pack, but Irish still extended their lead through a penalty. The score after five minutes of the second half was 24-0.
Saints missed a number of opportunities when good work released players who were unfortunately unable to take them, until, with 10 minutes to go following a good scrummage, scrum-half Ben Jones went over to reduce the deficit to 24-5.
Saints Academy assistant manager Dave Palethorpe said: "Out-muscled and out-fought - ultimately, London Irish played with a great deal more passion that us and thoroughly deserved the victory."
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