The Under-19s took on their Irish counterparts ahead of the Saints’ final pre-season game of the summer. Many of the home team had been part of the Saints’ remarkable comeback against Nottingham’s first team just a few days earlier, and they had to repeat the trick thanks to a slow start that saw Leinster take an early 5-0 lead.

But the hosts hit back, taking advantage of an ill-advised Leinster attack from their own 22 to turn the ball over through Tom Stephenson. Ben Nutley was worked into space to tie the scores.

Nutley turned provider for the Saints’ next try, setting up Jamie Elliott, but two tries from the Irish province meant that the home team went into the break 17-10 down.

However that was as good as it got for the visitors. When play resumed the Saints turned on the style. Richard Lane was first over the whitewash, taking Dan Malafosse’s pass before chipping, chasing and collecting to score.

Then another Stephenson turnover set up a 100-metre counterattack in which Lane combined with Glyn Hughes for another well worked try.

Jamie Warr had demonstrated his good ball skills to put Lane into space for that score, and the back rower was at it again soon after, putting Chris Lord over for the fifth and final try. Hughes added a conversion to his previous score to make the final outcome Saints 32, Leinster 17.