Saints showed 'great character' to claim key cup win at Harlequins
Coach Jim Henry hailed Saints for showing ‘great character’ in their comeback win at Harlequins on Friday night.
The black, green and gold fell 19-0 down during the first half of the PREM Rugby Cup clash at the Twickenham Stoop, but they bounced back in style to secure a 40-24 PREM Rugby Cup pool-stage success.
And Henry said: “We started off a bit rusty after a week off and a short training week and that probably showed in the first half in particular when we got caught out in the backfield.
"But we showed great character to come out second half and find a way to get back in front.
"We obviously started well with a good bust from Sleights (Ollie Sleightholme) to get us up the pitch and there were a few chances like that.
"The chat in the changing room at half-time was to keep being patient and go through the process.
"We knew those chances would come again and we just needed to make sure we took them.”
Scrum-half Archie McParland grabbed a hat-trick as he was named man of the match.
"He's got an old head on his shoulders and the more he plays, the better he gets,” Henry said.
"It was great for him to get that game time.”
Saints’ bench made a big impact as guest players Ben Alexander and Joe Cowell along with Saints Under-18s forward Jack Lewis made their debuts.
"Jack Lewis's first touch in senior rugby was a huge carry and he's a big lad for 17 years old,” Henry said. “He did really well.
"Ben Alexander, Joe Cowell also came off the bench and made a big impact and there was that penalty try at the end there.
"Ben Alexander made all his lineouts and considering he's a recent convert from the back row, that's impressive from him.
"Credit to the leadership team on the field at the time because when those boys come on, you need to try to keep things simple and they did that really well.
"We capitalised on those opportunities.”
Next up for Saints is a cup trip to Newcastle Red Bulls next Friday night.
"They're all opportunities for these lads to play and we want to stay in it (the cup) as long as we can,” Henry said.
"We take it a game at a time.
"Newcastle were strong at our place so we'll have a good training week, go up there next Friday night and give it our best.”