One Swallow doesnt make a summer, however the improvement in the players handling and movement, speed, and defensive ability was clear to see.

As for Ben Barba he was sensational.

Wilkin when on looked a cut above what he has been for last two or three years, and Lomax was class in the halves be it passing or kicking.

I thought we showed some rustiness at times but also made the game look simple from time to time.

Great to see athletic bodies in motion, and people running into spaces, rather than the turgid one up bash and barge predictability of the last few years.

For me we just looked better coached. Under Cunningham we seemed like an open age 3rd team who show up on game day and have chuck around with a few mates.

Everyone on the pitch for Saints looked improved on last season and Cas just looked poor

I hope this is an indicator of our style of play for the rest of the season. Speedy and sharp, besides the obvious stand outs - Luke Thompson deserves much praise. I only hope that he will be utilised sensibly and not be burnt out.

Thank Christ you didn't have Matty Smith; it would have been 80.

We can send him out on loan to you chaps for a couple of months until Gale, Truman and Roberts get there act together.

I'm 57, haven't played for 25 years & could do a better job than Smith, so will wait for the call.