By Xeno
August 19 2002

The Saints were edged out in an exciting game on the Atlantic coast in La Teste de Buch on Friday evening by local side Begles-Bordeaux, but in a five try display there was a lot of fine points for coach Wayne Smith to take away from the game. In high temperatures in was the Saints who got on the scoresheet first with co-skipper Budge Pountney being driven over the line with the game only minutes old.

Paul Grayson converted but the French side replied soon after only for new Spanish signing Oriol 'Raspberry' Ripol to again gain the advantage for the Saints with a try in the corner which Larry converted.

On the half hour mark the local team fought back and again drew level at 14-14 and edged into the lead with a penalty that gave them the three point advantage.

The Saints however with the clock running down on the half hit back with a try of their own when Matt Stewart was bundled over the line. Larry again converted to leave Saints 4 points up at the break at 21-17.

The second half started with a rally by the French side and two quick scores gave them a 29-21 lead.

Tha Saints again fought back and Liam Brown the new signing from Wasps forced his way through for a converted try that left the sides well balanced at 29-28 goinfg into the last quarter.

The French though again quickly put daylight between themselves and the Saints with another score and despite a late Ben Craig try a further Bordeaux penalty sealed the win for the local side at 39-33.

Next up Stade Francais at the Gardens on Saturday.
Be there!