Heading into the Anglo-Welsh Cup semi-finals for the first time since 2016 this evening, Saints have featured in three finals over the competition’s history. We’re taking a trip down memory lane to the time Saints lifted the trophy back in 2010…
Having toppled Saracens at Franklin’s Gardens the week before to earn their place at the Sixways clash, Saints would have to battle hard before a breathless finish earned them their first Anglo-Welsh title.
Gloucester – the other finalists – had seen off Cardiff Blues on their way to the final winner-take-all game, but came into the clash as underdogs.
It was the Cherry & Whites however that got on the scoresheet first, and Nicky Robinson struck three penalties to Stephen Myler’s two to see Gloucester leading at the half-hour mark.
And then the final really came to life with Gloucester galvanising to send Akapusi Qera crashing over from close range.
Saints hit back instantly though as Shane Geraghty mounted a counter-attack from deep, to initiate a sweeping move that would eventually see Soane Tonga’uiha burrowing over. Myler reduced the deficit to just one with the conversion before Saints began to pile on the pressure.
Despite a James Simpson-Daniel break, a turnover from Courtney Lawes started off the next score for Saints. Bruce Reihana and Brett Sharman got Saints back on the front foot with James Downey then taking over and leaving Gloucester’s defence for dust as he dotted down under the posts.
Myler stretched Saints’ lead to six points at the break, but on the return Gloucester’s forwards did the damage and referee Alan Lewis awarded the Cherry & Whites a penalty try.
Saints hit back and stormed upfield from the restart. This time it was Tonga’uiha who notched up the turnover and Lee Dickson was soon scampering over for the try.
Gloucester nearly closed the deficit again with 20 minutes to play but instead an intercept from Tonga’uiha sent the ball up the other end of the pitch. Brian Mujati was there but Saints were denied and instead Myler and Robinson exchanged further penalties as the clock ticked down.
There were still six points in it as the game closed out and ultimately that was enough for Saints, as Phil Dowson lifted their first Anglo-Welsh Cup title courtesy of a 30-24 win.
Tickets are now available for Saints' home clash with Saracens on Saturday 7 April from the ticket office at Franklin’s Gardens, online by CLICKING HERE or by calling the Saints Ticket Office on 01604 581000.
