St. Albans entertained Grasshoppers at Boggymead on Saturday hoping to return to winning was after a barren few weeks.
From the outset, the visitors displayed why they are one of the “form” sides in the League, their play was organised, direct and purposeful. Saints stood their ground but when after a collision, they lost centre Dan Townson to an arm injury, Grasshoppers spread the ball wide and scored a try whilst the St. Albans player was being treated.
The loss of Townson called for a reorganisation and the home side got about trying to stabilise their back line. A Nick Woolley penalty got Saint’s on the score card but it wasn’t long before Grasshoppers added another try following a powerful run from their lock forward.
Another Woolley penalty was added, but in reply the visitors responded with a penalty and a further try to give them a comfortable 6 – 20 lead.
Saints did not want to lose touch and were rewarded when the excellent Sam Millicheap broke the visitors line and raced fully two thirds of the pitch to score a fine individual try. At the brake, Saints had reduced the arrears to 11 – 20.
Grasshoppers took command early in the second half with a penalty and unconverted try extending their superiority to 11 – 28.
St. Albans were not done however and after some serious forward pressure Fraser Morris powered over for a good try.
Grasshoppers again replied with another try, this time using their skilful back line to work the opening, this was converted and put the score at 11 – 35.
As in the previous week St. Albans stuck to their guns and were not prepared to give up without a flight. The home side mounted wave after wave of attack, and were justly rewarded when late replacement, Jeremy Walmsley drove over for a deserved try that Nick Woolley converted.
Time was not on St. Albans side and shortly after the restart the referee blew the final whistle as Grasshoppers continue their upward march.