Bank proves a tough nut to crack!
By Terry Evans
Saints have to work hard to unlock the Bank of England.
St. Albans returned to winning ways with a less than emphatic victory over a lively Bank of England side in this Herts/Middx.1 encounter.
From the outset it was clear that the B of E were here on a mission, and it was not surprising when they took the lead after nine minutes with a converted try.
Saints looked to have the potential to cause the visitors problems but with limited possession never really got their game moving.
St. Albans did have their set piece play working and from a line-out close to the visitor’s goal line
James Tryfanos touched down following a driving maul.
The B of E quickly got back into the Saints half and were reward with a penalty from a St. Albans infringement.
Saints were trying hard to secure procession of the ball, as when they did have it their back line looked dangerous, and from such a period of play the St. Albans winger went over for an unconverted try.
The visitors again responded with another penalty goal that gave them a half time lead of 10 – 13.
After the break St. Albans produced their best rugby of the afternoon scoring three try’s, two for the excellent
George Saunders, and a well taken opportunity by
George Trude, all of which were converted by
George Elliott.
The Bank of England side then rallied, and with the home team thinking they’d done enough, scored twice to put the match back into the balance at 31 – 25.
St. Albans realised that this was far from over and got their “game heads” back on. The Saint’s pack, who had had been competitive all afternoon, put the visitors under constant pressure and from a succession of “pick and drive” moves,
Sid Noad applied the finishing touch for a deserved try.
St. Albans earned the win the hard way, if they can improve their ball retention and possession, they can make games like this far less of a challenge.
Final Score: St. Albans RFC 36 vs Bank of England RFC 25.