Slow start proves costly!

Hendon RFC were the visitors in this Herts/Middx 1 top of the table clash at Boggymead on Saturday. Both sides knew the importance if this game and its likely effects on the final league standings come the end of the season.
From the kick off it was clear that both teams were motivated, but it was Hendon who showed confidence from the start. The visitors quickly moved play deep into the St. Albans half and from a lineout they set up a driving maul that saw them crash over the Saints line for an unconverted try.
St. Albans seemed hesitant, although the first scrum demonstrated the power of the Saints pack as they pushed Hendon backwards. This was good, but the home side were not retaining possession and the visitors took full advantage as they were able to mount a series of attacks.
Hendon’s back line is swift and coordinated which tested Saints defence to the full, as the pressure increased St. Albans did all they could, but they could not prevent the visitors moving further ahead with a converted try following a series of missed tackles.
After fifteen minutes Hendon had established a 0 – 12 lead and looked to be in control.
St. Albans then began to play as we know they can, the pack was assertive in the tight play, with Ross Taylor and Shaun Rafter doing well in the lineouts. The home side were now taking the game to the visitors and when a clever kick to the wing found Foster Kavanagh, he raced in to score an unconverted try.
The game became a lot more even as both teams battled to gain superiority, it was intense and physical, and that took its toll when Saints lost Charles Woollard and George Saunders to injury.
Despite having to rearrange their pack St. Albans forwards maintained their drive and as half time approached they mounted a strong attack on the Hendon line, the incessant pressure created opportunity as scrum half George Trude, found the gap and darted over for a try that George Elliott converted.
Half time arrived and St. Albans had clawed their way back into the game as the score stood at 12 -12.

The match resumed with the same intensity; Saints were committed to attack as the visitors proved firmly robust in their defence.
From a St. Albans attack the ball went loose which Hendon were able to salvage and quickly move to their back line where they broke the Saints defence and raced upfield to score a converted try. The visitors had restored their lead 12 – 19.
Half an hour of the game remained with St. Albans desperate for a score. They kept up the pressure coming close on a couple of occasions but could not find any weak link in the Hendon defensive wall. Saints failed or were prevented from moving the ball along their attacking back line and that denied them opportunity for any further score.
St. Albans were still attacking at the last, however an intercepted pass nearly cost them dear as Hendon raced forward for what seemed a certain try only to be thwarted by a brilliant cover tackle from Fraser Morris, just metres short of the line. Hendon then missed a simple penalty kick that at least gave St. Albans something from the game, as they got a bonus point for being within seven points.
The game was played in great spirit and was a fantastic advert for rugby at this level, no shortage of skill, commitment and passion. It was not to be St. Albans' day but there was no disgrace to lose to a very good Hendon side, just disappointment.
St. Albans Man of the Match, sponsored by Moveology UK, was Harry Atherton the youngest member of our front row trio and a real prospect for the future.
Final Score: St. Albans 12 vs Hendon 19
Next week St. Albans travel to Barnet Elizabethans and the chance to get back to winning ways.