Seniors’ switch to cruise control put win in doubt

St Mirren Senior Men were back in league action this week as they visited near neighbours Glasgow University.

The West College Scotland sponsored side were on hand to teach their opponents a lesson with another winning performance which sees them still challenging at the top of the table.

Saints, once again, were looking at a changed lineup as in-form Chris Cleary was unavailable and Euan Glass remains sidelined with a back injury.

The Saints starting lineup did a good job from the tip as they raced to a 6-0 lead, prompting a time-out from the home team coach.

Saints were in the mood and the first five of Dave Johnston, Nick Collins, Fergus Harte, Colin Railley and Scott Armstrong all took turns at scoring as, at 18-2 ahead, things looked promising.

The second quarter was not Saints’ finest 10 minutes of the season as they promptly turned on the cruise control and switched off the intensity as they lost the second period 1716 to get to half time with a barely comfortable 36-25 lead.

The third quarter saw the foot back on the gas as Saints got the job done, as, once again, they spread the ball and the points, as well as adding in some defence.

It ended 23-8 in the period for Saints, with eight points for Collins and four points each for young Eden Duff and Johnston and Harte.

Harte led the scorers in the final period with another seven points as the visitors rounded out an inconsistent performance with another 22 points for the win at 81-47.

A spokesman said: “This was the top of the league table against the bottom.

“Although for certain periods, if you walked into the sports hall, you would have been forgiven for being unable to tell the difference.”

Saints scorers were led by Collins on 23, Harte on 14 and Johnston and Armstrong on 10 points.

Their next adventure in the league is away to Glasgow Storm at the Kelvin Hall.