Rugby

Glasgow Warriors 40 – 31 Northampton Saints GW: Lancaster (16′)  Oliver (26′)  Hiddleston (32′, 38′) Matthews (65′) McKay (72′) NS: Chick (6′) Pearson 12′, 19′) Hendy (30′, 42′) The Warriors scored 6 tries in an entertaining pre-season run-out against the Saints After a warm reception for the home side, it was the visitors who took control of the early exchanges. Callum Chick powered over in 6 minutes courtesy of strong play by the Northampton forwards. The Saints continued to attack, and after working through the phases, Tom Pearson dived over for their second on 12 minutes. The home side forced their way back into the game. After a strong burst from Ollie Smith, Dan Lancaster raced over to cut the deficit. However, the new boy was unable to convert his own try, as it crashed off the left upright. Despite Lancaster’s try, Northampton continued to press, and Pearson crossed for his second to extend the lead to 19-5. Scotland under-20’s Fergus Watson produced a moment of brilliance for the Warriors after 25 minutes. He jinked through several yellow jerseys and offloaded to Jack Oliver, who dived over for their second. After Lancaster’s conversion, the score was 19-12. The Northampton Saints added another try on the half-hour mark to extend their lead further. They had shown positive signs in the first half, but the home side ended the half stronger. Gregor Hiddleston drove over as the Warriors, and his Lancaster’s accurate conversion, the deficit was five. The Warriors had further chances on the stroke of halftime, and Hiddleston added his second in the 38th minute. Another conversion from Lancaster gave Glasgow a 26-24 lead. The Saints started the second half quickly. Todaro broke through a hole, and the ball was worked wide for Hendy to finish. The Warriors looked to respond after promising pressure, but their efforts were cut short after a knock on. Glasgow increased their physicality in the second period, switching their entire front row, including the introduction of Johnny Matthews. They enjoyed a period of sustained control as they looked to strike back, and after Luke Green was sent to the bin, Matthews drove over in the corner. Lancaster added the conversion to give a slender 33-31 lead to the home side. Josh McKay extended the total to 40 points after strong running from the Warriors’ backs. Glasgow Warriors: McBeth, Hiddleston, Richardson, Williamson, Samuel, Ferrie (c), Duncan, Dempsey, Afshar, Lancaster, Smith, Yule, Johnston, Watson, McKay Northampton Saints: Iyogun, Wright, Kundiowa, Prowse, Lockett, Pearson, Graham, Chick, McParland, Belleau, Caqusau,  Thame, Hutchison, Todaro, Ramm