Saints back in the groove!

St. Albans returned to league action at the weekend when they hosted Wasps RFC for their last home game before Christmas.

Prior to the game St. Albans had laid on their Seasonal Lunch which was attended by many former players and supporters who enjoyed good fayre and were looking forward to cheering their side on.

Saints were not slow to give them encouragement as with just three minutes on the clock the ball was moved quickly down the three-quarter line where Fraser Morris outstripped the Wasps defence to open the scoring with an unconverted try.

The game then settled down as the visitors tried to get the measure of their opponents. In the set play they found Saints pack uncompromising, and although they had some hard-running backs, they could not fracture the St. Albans defence.

Wasps did get on the score sheet with a penalty kick following a Saints indiscretion, this did provide some purpose for the visitors, but St. Albans were not in a charitable mood.

With Mickey Seymour reinstated at fly-half St. Albans back line looked far more menacing and fluid, Saints began to assert themselves and the pressure began to mount as Wasps were pushed back on the defensive.

A five-metre scrum saw Saints add to their tally when #8 Syd Noad picked up and drove over for a try that George Elliott converted.

Half time arrived with Saints in control and leading 12 – 3.

The first scoring chance of the second half fell to Wasps, again a penalty kick but this time it drifted wide of the posts.

St. Albans began to reassert themselves and were playing the game predominantly in the Wasps half. Saints forwards were imperious and justly rewarded when skipper Tony Stevenson powered over for an unconverted try.

Wasps defence, which was under serious pressure began to falter, another slick line move saw winger Adam Jasinski speed over for a try that went unconverted.

George Elliott then got in on the act when he glided over for an excellent try that he then converted. St. Albans had taken the game away from Wasps and had a comfortable 29 – 3 lead.

It was fitting that Saints forwards had the last action of the afternoon when Tony Stevenson added his second try, although unconverted it was the tinsel on the tree!

Final Score St. Albans 34 vs Wasps 3.

Winns Services sponsored St. Albans Man of the Match Award which went to Will Latham who had a fine game at full back.

Next week St. Albans travel across town to near neighbours and rivals Verulamians for the last league game of the year, season of goodwill, I don’t think so!