Saints take the applause in a 2023 curtain call.

Saints 2XV ended 2023 in style with an eight try victory over local rivals Verulamians to leave them near the top of a very tight and competitive Herts Middlesex Merit 3 South West league at the half way point.

It was the first run out for the 2nd XV since their 52-7 victory over Dunstablians in early November with injuries and unavailability limiting playing time but there was no sign of ring rust on Saturday afternoon as they took the game to a strong Verulamians outfit that had beaten them when the two teams first met back in October. That afternoon, Saints led at half time only to let the hosts back into the game as they dominated the second half to take a well deserved victory. This time around Saints went in at half time with a commending lead and pushed home the advantage. It means they maintain a perfect four from four record at Boggymead in 2023/24 and it is the third time this season they have scored 40 points or more, whilst it is the first time they have conceded more than 10 points at home in what has been a solid defense.

Saints had early chances only to let the final pass slip away. Credit to Vees defensive play in the opening minutes as they cleared their lines and had a couple of chances themselves only for Saints to hold firm and win the turnover. The breakthrough eventually came ten minutes in as Saints attacked from a lineout, space created out wide for Will Taylor to cut inside and score under the posts. The first four tries were distributed equally between Taylor and centre Dan Satchell who was awarded with man of the match for an outstanding all round display. The pick of the first half tries saw Satchell cut an inside line down the middle of the pitch before rounding the last defender to slide in under the posts. Fly half Joe Nelson contributed from the tee with two conversations as Saints sealed the four try bonus point before the half time break.

HT - St Albans 24; Verulamians 0

The opening score of the second half saw Satchell complete his hat trick as an overlap was created on the left hand side, the centre running 60 metres before a tough down under the sticks, extras added by Nelson. Saints were then reduced to 14 men with flanker Adam Jasinski sent to the bin for a high tackle with Verulamians close to the line, the referee awarding a penalty try to the visitors. Saints replied a few minutes later with returning number 8 Tony Stevenson going over from close range, just reward for an impressive first 80 of the season after a frustrating period of injury.

The visitors second score of the game came from a sustained period of pressure and some forward work in Saints 22. There was then a short time out as Verulamians outside centre was knocked out following an accidental head clash, we are pleased to confirm that the player came round and was able to walk off of the pitch and was OK at the final whistle. Saints added a further two scores as Ollie Davies went over the corner before Will Taylor completed his hat trick and Nelson confirmed. A commanding victory but Saints will be award that they have some tough fixtures still to come in 2024 with top of the table Cuffley home and away still to play, as well as a derby against in form OAs the first game back after Christmas.

FT - St Albans 48; Verulamians 12

Skipper Dan Toland spoke after the game:

"Delighted to get a run out before Christmas following a couple of postponed fixtures and finishing the year with a win gives everyone a boost heading into the break. Vees are a tough side, we knew that from the first game and we had to be at our best today to get the win. Disappointed a little bit with some of the mistakes early in the second half and discipline let us down at moments, but when we were patient, retained possession and worked hard it showed in our attack play.

It was great to skipper the team again with both my brothers Tom and Will playing plus my cousin Sam (Jones) put in a superb shift at 7 on his return. With more players coming back from injury in the New Year hopefully we can have a strong second half of the season and repeat our impressive home form on our travels".