St. Albans hosted London Scottish Lions in this Herts/Middx. 1 league fixture. On a blustery afternoon with steady rain the conditions were far from ideal for expansive flowing rugby.
The early stages of the game were tentative with both sides trying to adapt to the weather and a heavy pitch. The visitors, with the wind to their backs, opted for a kicking game, electing to punt the ball deep into Saints half.
The initial indication as to who would assert themselves came at the first scrum when the St Albans pack powerfully drove the opposition back. This was a statement of intent and was to set the scene for the rest of the match.
It was London Scottish however who opened the scoring when, from a breakdown of a Saints attack, the visitors speedy left wing kicked upfield and aided by a kind bounce outpaced the cover defence. The try was converted, and the Lions had first blood, 0 – 7.
Despite this, the St. Albans pack was gaining momentum and the visitors were finding it difficult to contain the pressure that was building. Constant driving rugby from the Saints forwards created the space for their backs, and Fraser Morris ran in an unconverted try.
More of the same was to come as St. Albans pinned the visitors close to their own goal line. Saints’ scored with trys from Sam Howell and Foster Kavanagh the latter being converted by George Elliott. Half time arrived with the home side holding a 17 – 7 lead.
After the break and with the wind now in the Lions’ faces, St. Albans picked up from where they had left off. The scrums were proving a nightmare for Scottish as Saints pack revelled in their ability to dominate.
Further scores for Saints should have come but wrong options were taken, and chances went missing. St. Albans were also giving away too many penalties which allowed the visitors respite.
However, St. Albans were not going to be denied, and from a lineout, Ross Taylor secured the ball, and from the forward drive gave the opportunity to George Elliott to dart over for a converted try.

The St. Albans pack was now rampant, with Liam Rogers, Charles Woollard and Joe Shaw causing mayhem in the Lions’ defence. The pressure was unrelenting, and this created space for skipper Tony Stevenson to score a well-deserved unconverted try.
The visitors did have good handing skills and capable backs, but without the ball their scope was limited. St. Albans always looked dangerous going forward and from a breakout George Saunders added a try that was converted by George Elliott.
Saints final try came after another scrum that produced opportunity for Fraser Morris to power over for an unconverted try.
This was a fine win for St. Albans over talented L. Scottish Lions side, it showed that Saints not only have a potent set of backs but an equally capable forward presence.
St. Albans Man of the Match, Charles Woollard for his penetrating forward runs and scrummaging power.
Final Score: St. Albans 41 vs L. Scottish Lions 7.