Saints placed Saints Foundation boards around the perimeter of the pitch as part of a matchday dedicated to their work in the community.

Oxford complained before kick-off, forcing Saints to push them back. Saints head coach Tonda Eckert claimed it was to advertise the foundation.

"It was a big day for the foundation today. We had shirts on for the warm-up, and I think it was a very good day to represent our community," he said.

Bloomfield, who felt it was a ploy to limit his side's long throws, accepted dark arts are a part of the sport, but took exception to the type of boards used.

"I felt that it was putting the players' safety... We didn't need it for our long throw because we could change to Ciaron Brown," Bloomfield said.

Saints ensured the boards were in line with pitch regulations (Image: Stuart Martin)

"Myles [Peart-Harris] has had a bit of a bad back, that's why he missed last week. He wasn't taking the long throws anyway; it was Cieron.

"If they want to do that and look for a competitive...