Saints left feeling Grizzly as OAs take derby spoils

Saints took to the field on Saturday afternoon with Boggymead bathed in autumnal sunshine for a second local derby in as many weeks as they hosted neighbours OAs Grizzlies. Saints were boosted by some returning personnel with Cam Barber starting at number 8, Ollie Davies coming back in at 10, Andrew Gumbie shifting to his preferred position of 13 and Ollie Wallace-Greaves moving from full-back to wing. The game was preceded by a minute's silence to commemorate the contribution of British and Commonwealth military and civilian servicemen and women in the two World Wars and later conflicts.

In their previous three outings Saints had started slowly and been chasing the game in the second half, this time around they were keen to start on the front foot and they would get the opening score of the game with some good support play. Saints worked the ball to the left-hand side and Andrew Gumbie used his footwork to cut inside and go over near the posts. Andrew kept up his impressive stats from the tee to add the conversion, Saints were up by 7. OAs responded soon after as mistakes from Saints and consecutive penalties enabled the visitors to work their way into the hosts 22. OAs were patient and that patience was rewarded as they crashed over after a number of hard carries, kick missed Saints up to two.

OAs maintained the momentum to add a second try a few minutes later, this time the conversion was added as they took the lead. Saints had opportunities, however, simple errors in attack meant that they were unable to capatalise or test the visiting defense. When the hosts did break through they were unable to finish off their chances, credit to OAs defense who held firm and cleared their lines. The remaining minutes of the half past with nothing added to the scoreboard, OAs up by 5 at halftime.

HT - St Albans 7; OAs Grizzlies 12

The first twenty of the second half was scoreless, OAs having more of the possession and Saints having to defend for large periods. Harry Hudnott lead the defensive charge with a man of the match display putting in some huge hits to resist the visiting attack. Saints eventually managed to work their way into the OAs half and following an infringement had a penalty in front of the posts. Andrew missed the kick but from the resulting drop out OAs were adjudged to be offside from the kick, Saints were awarded another penalty closer to the posts and this time Andrew slotted home the three to bring Saints back within two on the scoreboard.

Despite the scores being close, Saints couldn't get on top of their opponents and as the game wore on OAs upped the tempo to add another two scores and pull away from the hosts, conversions added on both occasions. Credit to OAs who were clinical and organised and will be difficult to beat this season as they look to kick on. It's another case of things to work on for the Saints and that win continues to elude them.

FT - St Albans 10; OAs Grizzlies 26

Skipper Fraser Morris reflected on another tough afternoon "We started really well today but we just couldn't build on it and when we did get opportunities we were not clinical enough in contrast to the opposition. I was disappointed with the defense for the last two scores, particularly the third try with three missed tackles on one player. That said, there is huge potential in this squad and I have not doubt when it clicks we can put a winning run together"