Saints’ home record intact after late drama

UNDER PRESSURE . . . Saints’ John Deakin offloads as two Shaw Cross tacklers close in.

St Anne’s 28, Shaw Cross Sharks 26

ST Anne’s maintained their 100 per cent home record in National Conference League Division Two with a 28-26 victory over previously-unbeaten Shaw Cross Sharks.

It was a pulsating game with a dramatic finish — as Shaw missed a golden late chance to win.

Saints were denied a try for centre Chris Carter in the 15th minute following a forward pass. But three minutes later scrum-half Nathan Jewitt broke from the pack to send winger Niall Collins in for the opening score.

Kiel Lancashire added the conversion to give Saints a 6-0 lead.

On the half-hour Jewitt was denied a try after what looked to be a perfect touchdown under the posts was ruled out after a forward pass decision

Saints’ lead was extended when full-back Michael Fogarty broke clear to score in the left corner.

Two minutes before the interval, Saints conceded a penalty on the 22-metre line and centre Shaun Squires went over. He goaled his own try to reduce the deficit to four points.

Four minutes after the break, Lancashire put substitute forward Jordan Hanley in for a try under the posts, with the former adding the goal for a 10-point advantage.

Saints lost their way: in the next quarter the advantage was reversed with the visitors running in an impressive five unconverted tries.

With 10 minutes remaining, much of the home support headed for the bar — and missed a thrilling end.

Terry Whaley beat off the defence to score and Lancashire added the goal, before the Saints stand-off went over and kicked the simple conversion to regain the lead.

With the clock running down, Saints were caught offside in front of the posts. Shaw Cross refused the chance to level the match with a simple kick at goal, instead electing to run the ball, only to knock-on with the line wide open.