A strong first half performance and twenty minutes of their best rugby in the second was enough to give St. Albans a fine win over GRASSHOPPERS RFC, 24 - 29.
Without doubt this was a season defining victory as Saint's proved that despite the odds, they can deliver when their backs are to the wall.

From the outset St. Albans showed their intent with the pack taking the game to the home side and laying out the agenda for the afternoon. With less than 10 minutes gone a St. Albans scrum close to Grasshoppers line drove the opposition back for #8, Joe Shaw to touch down.
Saint's maintained the pressure and took full advantage of their momentum when fly-half Sam Millicheap glided past the home defence for an excellent individual try. Millicheap then added the conversion to give St. Albans a deserved 0 - 12 lead.
Grasshoppers were in a state of disarray, but they have been one of the form sides in this League, and responded with some attacking play of their own. Facing into a strong breeze the home side looked to free their strong running back line, but the effective Saint's defence proved a significant obstacle. However, just before the break Grasshoppers were rewarded with an unconverted try to give them a firm foothold in the game.

After the break, and now playing into the wind you could have thought that St. Albans would have their work cut-out, however they then produced 20 minutes of their best rugby scoring three tries, through Brent Lemiere x 2, and Alex Sharpe. Saint's were men on a mission with Jeremy Walmsley in imperious mood, abele supported by Mike Bennet, Joe Shaw and Jake Mounsdon, skipper Brent Lemiere was everywhere, as the whole team put in a solid shift.

With the score at 5-29 Saints looked as if they had done enough but Grasshoppers were not there to make up the numbers, and ran in three late tries as the visitors tired from there efforts. The final whistle went and Saint's had secured victory, 24 - 29.

This was an inspired win for St. Albans but they know they must do it all again next Saturday when they entertain DATCHWORTH RFC in their last home game. A win for Saint's will secure their League status, but the visitors will not want to make it easy for them!