Both games ended within a score but with Saints as deserved winners as the youngsters enjoyed their first action of the season, seeing off Ospreys in the opener in a 26-19 scoreline.
Will Allman, George Wacokcoke and James Fish found themselves among the scorers while Paddy McDuell and Harry Sheppard shared kicking duties in the success.
Despite making a raft of changes throughout the day, the squad maintained momentum for a showdown with Saracens later that afternoon and Austin Beckett was duly followed over by Conor Bullivant for the winner. With Bullivant also adding both conversions an impressive 14-10 victory over the hosts was ensured.
Academy coach Mark Hopley was suitably pleased with his side’s efforts and hinted that there is plenty more to come, particularly with an eight-team Under-18s festival coming up next Friday at Harrow School.
“It was a great chance for the lads to have a first hit out after a good break over the summer,” Hopley said. “As you would expect we looked a little rusty but as the day progressed we got better and better and started to implement a lot of the things we have worked on in training.
“The day also gave us the chance to put out mixed teams and give everyone some game time in the lead up to the Under-18s festival next week.”
That tournament also involves sides from Bath, Exeter, Saracens, Harlequins, London Irish, Dragons and Scarlets. The Saints will have updates from the day over the club’s Facebook and Twitter pages.
