Round 4 saw Saints host Bowdon Rugby Club, who have recently strengthened their squad with several new faces, including former Premiership players and internationals. Saints’ injury list remains largely unchanged, with no players returning to training.

With excellent conditions and a good pitch, Saints launched straight into attack from the opening whistle, playing fast-paced rugby that left the Bowdon defence scrambling to deal with wave after wave of attacking players.

A slick move on the 22-metre line saw the ball passed through several pairs of hands before Dan Woods weaved his way over in the corner to open the scoring after five minutes. Bailey Smith added the conversion to give Saints a 7-0 lead.

Saints continued to capitalise on Bowdon’s mistakes from the restart. George Cole broke through a tackle and ran from Saints’ own 22-metre line to cross the whitewash in the right corner. The conversion was missed, but Saints had established a commanding 12-0 advantage.

Saints were quick to collect loose passes and spilled balls, while the forwards continued to put pressure on the Bowdon pack. With the scrum beginning to assert its dominance and Saints enjoying a superior line-out, another try soon followed.

John Whittaker powered over from short range under the posts, with Smith adding the conversion to extend the lead to 19-0.

The game became increasingly physical, with Gregory on the receiving end of a huge tackle from a clearly offside position. A late high tackle on Dodds, which appeared to be seen by everyone except the referee, forced him to leave the pitch and be replaced by Jones.

Bowdon appeared to be attempting to increase the physicality of the contest, but Saints remained composed and stuck to their well-executed game plan.

Sam Cotgrove found himself on the right side of midfield and broke through a couple of tackles before finding space to run through. He stepped the final defender before touching down under the posts, allowing Smith an easy conversion to make it 26-0.

With the clock approaching half-time, Holmes made a powerful run before slipping the ball to captain Will Grabe, who went over from short range. The conversion was missed, leaving Saints with a commanding 31-0 lead at the break.

Bowdon emerged for the second half with renewed purpose and, after finally finding some space following a defensive error, managed to cross in the corner for their first try. The conversion was missed, making the score 31-5.

Buoyed by the breakthrough, Bowdon continued to press forward, but Saints’ defence remained superb and the visitors’ resurgence began to falter.

However, as Saints pressed for another score, a loose pass was intercepted by a Bowdon player, who raced 50 metres to score under the posts. The conversion brought the score to 31-12.

Saints introduced Grant Mutch and Friday from the bench as the game developed into a contest between Saints’ forward momentum and a solid Bowdon defence.

After a determined tussle on the five-metre line, Charlie Green powered over from close range to score. The try was converted, taking Saints to 36-12.

Fresh legs began to make a difference, and Saints continued to push forward. A final drive saw Ben Jones drive Holmes over the line to score, bringing the game to a close at 43-12.

A solid defensive display, combined with a powerful performance in the scrum and a faultless line-out, gave Saints an excellent platform to build on. The result also leaves Saints top of the table on points difference.