For just over the first quarter of the match both sides strove to gain ascendancy, Saints for their part looked strong in the tight play but limited themselves by not having a kicking strategy which could have allowed increased territorial advantage.

With the St. Albans pack starting to exert dominance it wasn’t surprising when following a scrum, fly-half Harry Trude glided in for a deserved opening try.

Ten minutes later, just before the break, Saints scored again, with Barnet struggling to cope with the incessant forward pressure, prop forward Will Batchelor crashed over for a try that Harry Trude converted.

Half time arrived, and St. Albans had a comfortable 0 – 12 lead.

From the restart Saints continued to make life difficult for the home side, and fierce tackling prevented Barnet from making any headway.

Forward pressure again provided the next score for St. Albans, when Captain Shaun Rafter went over for an unconverted try.

The visitors were now in control and with Harry Trude kicking well to gain territory the pressure was all on the Barnet side. The home team could not compete in the scrum and after three massive drives from the Saints pack the referee awarded a penalty try for persistent collapsing of the scrum.

At 0 – 24 St. Albans looked like they would add to their tally, but they took their foot off the pedal and allowed the spirited Barnet side two late try’s.

This somewhat detracted from what had been a powerful forward display by St. Albans and will serve as a reminder that the job is not done until the referee blows the final whistle.

Final score: Old Elizabethans Barnet 14 vs St. Albans 24.

Next week St. Albans host Hendon RFC as part for the festive menu for the Club's Christmas Lunch