First half blitz wins it for Saints!

Due to their Boggeymead pitch being deemed unfit this fixture between St. Albans vs Saracens Amateurs was played at the nearby Hertfordshire University facilities.

The ground was in super condition however there was a howling wind blowing directly across the pitch and this was to be a factor in the day’s proceedings.

St. Albans started brightly, showing commitment going forward and safe handing which allowed the Saints three quarter line to demonstrate their potential. Saracens found themselves back peddling and doing most of the defending but after fifteen minutes they could do nothing to prevent Harry McKay rounding off a Saints attack with a well taken try, Mickey Seymour then added the conversion.

St. Albans were playing all the rugby with both forwards and backs linking well, strength and pace were giving the visitors real problems as they tackled for all their worth. Despite their endeavours Saracens could not stop Joe Seymour as he broke the defensive line and added a second try for St. Albans that his brother Mickey then converted.

Saracens had to find away back into the game, and this they did as from a period of possession they were able to move the game downfield and score a converted try from a forward led move.

St. Albans responded almost immediately with two moments of inspired play, firstly scrum half George Saunders created something from nothing, finding himself in midfield he eluded the Saracens defence only to be stopped just short of the line, support was on hand and Saints retained the ball with Saunders then finishing what he started with a converted try.

It was then the turn of Mickey Seymour who again fractured the visitors defensive wall with a delightful break that saw him take the play deep in Saracens territory. An offload found its way to Fraser Morris on the wing who stormed over for an excellent try. Seymour then added the conversion with an amazing kick far out on left field and despite the gale that was blowing.

Half time arrived with St. Albans in command holding a 28 – 7 lead.

St. Albans started where they had left off creating problems for the visitors with fast direct rugby. One swift three quarter move saw Mickey Seymour put in a measured grubber kick behind the Saracens defence and then win the race for the touchdown to secure Saints fifth try.

Saracens were still battling, and St. Albans began to incur the referee’s displeasure with several infringements. This disrupted Saints play and handed possession back to the visitors.

Saracens made the most of this and moved the play far into the St. Albans half where the visitors well drilled pack set up a driving maul and pushed over for an unconverted try.

The number of penalties given against St. Albans was becoming a steady flow and a yellow card for a deliberate knock-on only compounded matters. Saints had lost the initiative and Saracens took full advantage, a kick to the corner followed by a set move saw them trundle over for another try.

That was to be the final score of the afternoon as St. Albans resisted any further Saracens attacks. It was a game that Saints never looked like losing but they will be concerned by the number of penalties conceded.

Final Score: St. Albans 33 v Saracens Amateurs 17

St. Albans Man of the Match sponsored by The Plough at Sleapshyde was Fraser Morris for his outstanding defensive play and try scoring ability.

Next week St. Albans travel to Hendon RFC for a showdown with the Leagues unbeaten leaders. Should be a cracker!