Saints clinch a place in the Prem Rugby Cup semi-finals with a commanding 49-21 victory over Newcastle Red Bulls on Friday night
Saints continued their dominant cup form, delivering a third straight maximum haul after beating Leicester Tigers and Harlequins in succession. They recovered quickly after Newcastle struck early, conceding a try inside the first five minutes at Kingston Park but responding with authority to score seven tries and seal a comfortable win.
With this result, Saints have guaranteed a spot in the final four with one pool-stage match remaining, a home clash against Saracens next Saturday still on the schedule.
Coaches have found an effective balance of youth and experience across the last three cup games, helping Saints pile up 129 points in total during that run.
Newcastle drew first blood when Harris-on Obatoyinbo sprinted through for the opening try, and Brett Connon’s accurate touchline conversion gave the Red Bulls a 7-0 lead. Saints regrouped swiftly, replying with a sharp sequence that culminated in Luke Green crossing under pressure, followed by Anthony Belleau converting to level the scores. Tom James marked his first Saints start of the season with a well-taken try, as Belleau added the extras to push Saints ahead.
Saints grew into the contest, applying relentless physical pressure. Newcastle briefly threatened again, but Saints sent the game to the corner with a penalty and then stretched their advantage when Charlie Ulcoq reached out for a try. Belleau’s conversion extended the lead to a more comfortable margin.
Saints had a chance for a bonus-point try before half-time, but Newcastle defended stubbornly to wrench control back and force a turnover, keeping the score at 21-7 at the break.
The second half opened with Saints continuing to impose themselves. Toby Thame crashed over on the right to secure the bonus point, with Belleau converting from out wide. The fly-half then looked to add a fifth try but Saints couldn’t quite finish that moment, though Thame struck again soon after to increase the lead.
Belleau’s fourth conversion made it 35-7, and Saints were firmly in command with ample time left. The bosses shortly rotated their bench, injecting fresh legs into a side already brimming with energy.
Newcastle pressed for a response, but a late penalty to the corner resulted in a turnover that kept Saints on top. Max Clark’s- and Tom Christie’s exchanges kept the pressure on, while Archie McParland and George Hendy came on to help unlock the Newcastle defense. Hendy finished off a flowing move to extend the lead further, with Belleau’s fifth conversion sealing the scoring sequence.
Newcastle finally crossed again through Richard Palframan with 11 minutes remaining, Connon converting to keep hopes alive, but Saints answered immediately with Ollie Sleightholme finishing a slick attack.
Belleau added yet another conversion before late game discipline issues saw Sam Graham and Archie Benson sin-binned for Saints, and Ollie Fletcher dotted down for Newcastle late on. Connon’s final kick was not enough to change the result, as Saints celebrated progression to the knockout stage.
Newcastle Red Bulls line-ups highlight key contributors, while Saints’ lineup featured standout performances from their backs and a productive forward effort that underpinned the win.
Attendance: 5,501
