The pre-season win over Rotherham marked the 24-year-old’s first outing in a 15-a-side squad for the club, with the American playing in the first half against a dogged Titans outfit.
After a score-less opening quarter, Saints took the lead through Teimana Harrison, only to be rocked by three quick-fire tries from the visitors. Howard Packman’s effort at the end of the half brought his team back to a 12-21 deficit, with three more scores - Reece Marshall and Christian Day adding to a penalty try - securing the win.
But while Dolan said that it was nice to get a win, what was more important was getting some game time into the players’ legs.
“It was pretty good, nice weather and a good blow-out for the boys,” he said. “We’re just trying to work out our structures and getting used to playing rugby with each other again ahead of another big season.
“It’s always good to play a bit of rugby and get a run out with the boys after all that training. It was nice to get a win, but there are a few things to tighten up ahead of next week, when we’ll do it all over again!
“At half-time we came in after having made a few mistakes, and we changed our game to more suit us. Pre-season’s all about just getting back into the swing of things, it’s not about winning or losing at the moment.
“We’ve had a heavy workload, on our feet for five or six hours a day training or in the weight room, and no day off mid-week. That played a role in the performance today but it’ll pay off in the season.”
Saints remain at home for their next pre-season weekend, a double-header of action against Leinster and Moseley on Saturday, August 23rd.
Tickets are on sale for the day now, as are general admission tickets for the opening Aviva Premiership clash of the season against Gloucester on Friday, September 5th.
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