Anselmians travelled to Bolton for their first away test of the season hoping to maintain the improvements they are expecting, week to week.
The team produced a commanding 39-12 win, but not in the emphatic style of previous outings this term.
Saints did out-score their tenacious opponents by seven tries to two, but couldn't take full advantage of their dominance in the set pieces and failed to get the ball wide to their exciting strike-power on the wings.
Ewan Nolan. Photo: Derek Salisbury SNR
All credit to Bolton for disrupting Anselmians' continuity with good line-speed in defence and a barrelling attack centred around their No.10, who skilfully marshalled close-quarter penetration around the flanks.
Despite his unlikely physique for a fly-half, he displayed excellent distribution and quick feet to earn him my vote as Bolton's Man of the Match.
Saints got off to an impressive start with early forays into the Bolton "Red-Zone." In particular, No.8, Ewan Nolan and debutant lock, Fred Clarke, made strong incursions into Bolton's desperate defence, and set up the first of the visitors' tries from No.7, Paul Sherlock, after 10 minutes.
On 17 minutes. one of the very few times Saints did manage to hit the wings, flanker Will Grabe sent out a long miss-pass to paceman, James Whitehouse, who gathered expertly off his toes to go over in the corner.
Hooker Daniel Salisbury perfectly feeds ball to scrum half George Manger. Photo: Derek Salisbury SNR
Just four minutes later after sustained pressure in Bolton's 22, Nolan finished off a churning forward attack to the line.
At this point the away supporters were talking about another 60-point rout, but Bolton hit back strongly, confusing Saints' mid-field defence with their direct approach, scoring between the posts for their first seven points on 28 minutes.
With the score now at just 7-15, it seemed that the early tide was turning. But, more Bolton pressure was then released just before half-time, when Saints' Captain, Liam Sadler sprinted over for another unconverted try, to make the half time score 7-20.
Anselmians' player coach Tommy Banks. Photo: Derek Salisbury SNR
Bolton started the second period with determination and rang their visitors alarm bells with another try just 10 minutes into the half. 12-20 was not a comfortable score line at this point, with four conversions missed.
However, with Tom Gilbert's introduction from the bench, his speed and tenacity rewarded him with a try close to the posts. This one was converted by Dai Morley to a huge cheer from the crowd.
Then, just going into the third quarter, Saints' Man of the Match, Nolan, picked up from the base of the scrum on Bolton's 22, sprinted and side-stepped under the posts for the converted try which put the nail in the hosts' coffin.
Tom Gilbert scores. Photo: Derek Salisbury SNR
The industrious Gilbert, sealed the deal with a classy try with just five minutes left on the clock.
A good win away from home for Saints, but there are improvements to be made before they can confidently think of challenging for the league title.
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