Good in parts but could have been better!

“St. Albans travelled to Hitchin on Saturday hopeful they could repeat their victory from earlier in the season, but left disappointed after suffering a close 16 – 10 defeat.

Saint’s started well an kept Hitchin pinned deep inside their own half, aggressive forward play and strong running made the visitors look dangerous, but they lacked the finishing skills to turn their superiority into points. St. Albans created chances but had to wait until the second quarter before prop Dave Jones crashed over following an effective forward drive. Mark Kentish added the conversion and the visitors looked comfortable with a 0 – 7 lead.

Saint’s continued to apply pressure but could not add to their tally before the break.

The second half started with Hitchin having the wind at the backs and looking to improve on an ineffective first 40 minutes. St. Albans countered but could not secure the abundance of ball they had earlier, and began to incur the referee’s displeasure with numerous penalty infringements. It was from one of these indiscretions that the home side got on the scoreboard and started to believe in their own abilities and the fact the game was there for the taking.

Hitchin looked far more effective and were justly rewarded with a well worked but unconverted try, edging them in front 8 – 7. They maintained their momentum as St. Albans struggled to find any of their first half fluency and continued to give away penalties which was always going to put them on the back foot.

The home side’s second try seemed inevitable and it was not surprising, if a little debatable, when their front row forward drove over for another unconverted try. Saints were struggling and when Hitchin added a penalty it looked as if the visitors would not have anything to show for their earlier endeavours.

St. Albans rallied and in the closing minutes secured a penalty that Mark Kentish was able to convert, giving a final score of 16 – 10 and at least Saint’s got a losing bonus point.

Next week St. Albans welcome Hackney to Boggymead and will need to be far more clinical if they want something from one of the Leagues pacemakers, kick off 2.00pm.”