Senior Academy player Lewis Ludlam was one of five Saints to make their debuts for the first team as Saints opened their Anglo-Welsh Cup campaign with a 24-16 win over Newcastle Falcons on the road at Kingston Park yesterday.
The back row said that the opportunity to play for the first team was a highlight and that to get the win made his debut appearance all the more enjoyable.
“I really enjoyed it,” Ludlam told SaintsTV yesterday.
“Newcastle is always a tough place to play and I think we’re only the second team to get a win here this season.
“So we’ve got to be pleased with the result and hopefully we can take it into next week.”
Ludlam said that despite the young nature of the side, Saints went into the opening round of the Anglo-Welsh Cup with the same intensity as any other game.
“The chat before the game was really good. Everyone got their learning done and worked hard.
“We’ll have to do all that again this week and hopefully we’ll get the result against Gloucester at the Gardens.”
The Anglo-Welsh Cup provides the younger stars with a chance to prove themselves and that, Ludlam says, is an opportunity they are all relishing.
“This competition is brilliant for young players coming through.
“We know it’s where we’re going to get our opportunities while the internationals are away and I think that when all the younger lads came on we did well.”
