2nd XV
Matches
Sat 28 Oct 2017  ·  Division 4
St Albans Rugby Club
2nd XV
38
14
O.A.s Gladiators
St Albans vs Old Albanian Forth XV Report

St Albans vs Old Albanian Forth XV Report

Libby Healey31 Oct 2017 - 13:58
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Experience and Youth repel Gladiator Invasion

Match Report

Local Derby, An inspired Saints 2nd XV were just too strong for spirited OA’s Gladiators on the day to win sieze victory 38 to 14.

A combination of experienced St Albans players combining with the newer blood for this local derby, motivation was overflowing, it was easy to get s up for this one. John S. lead by example in the absence through injury of captain Scott M.

St Albans won the toss and electing to receive the kick off and play into the wind. From the off it was clear St Albans were up for this. A clean take and a battery of strong carries into the opposition showed the intent was there.

The Saints pack, tight and low, waited for the referees call on the first scrum. A solid hit and drive saw the saints pack drive the Gladiators off their own ball. For those of us that toil in the deep dark underworld of the front row this is what we live for, setting down a big marker early on. The evergreen J. Sayers playing out of position at No.8 picked and went making significant ground against the back footed defence, impressively supported by the rest of the back row.

Slick inter-play between the forwards and backs with a mix of hard line and deft passing saw us with an attacking lineout. Following the impressive first scrum a drive was called and cleanly taken. Now I can’t really say much about what happened after the drive was set as I was head down and driving for what seemed like a bloody long way. Dan dotted down to finish off the effort. Conversion drifted wide 5-0.

The scrum time dominance was short lived as the game reverted to uncontested scrums after what looked like a nasty leg injury to the Gladiators hooker. With Gladiators losing a second forward shortly after playing they played remainder of the game manfully with 14 men.

Some good hands and strong carries led to tighthead Harry O’B delicately dancing his way over for the second which was duly converted by Andrew S. to give a 12-0.

After a deep restart which was followed Gladiators disrupting the Saints lineout the Gladiators had a attacking scrum within striking range of the Saints try line. With the scrums now uncontested helping nullify the St Albans advantage in the pack, some clever play in the centre caused confusion in the defence and an over the top basketball pass put the Gladiators through for a try which they converted to make it 12-7.

St Albans responded with some very strong play, some big carries from the like of George S. and Roy D.

The next attacking lineout for in the opposition 22 and there was only ever going to be one call. Cleanly caught and driven over from just inside the Gladiators twenty-two, grounded by J. Sayers making the half time score 17-7.

Big positives from the first half were the discipline shown with a minimal penalty count and forward dominance

In the second half with being so dominant in line outs with big Dan H. and John S. leading the way and playing with the wind Saints played some smart rugby using the boot playing a more territorial game. Putting the Gladiators under huge pressure at the line outs on both attack and defence. Big gains were being made with driving mauls.

With this dominance the Gladiators hardly touched the ball in the second half defending for most of the game and conceding territory.

With Duncan X. and Brad H. making hard yards in the backs and using their strength to give good targets to the pack. After some good interplay and hard running between the St Albans forwards Roy D. continuing his scoring habit driving over carrying a couple of Gladiators with him. And losing another dread for the cause. Duly converted By A. Still.

The St Albans back line at this stage were getting a little jealous of the forwards hogging all the glory and bagging the tries and they wanted in on the action. Ed C. pushing hard to add to his try tally while lagging behind some of the forwards on that count.

JD must have heard the of his impending substitution and with some quick thinking and quick feet started and finished as move to touch down close to the posts. With the conversion neatly popped over by A.Still it was 31-7.

OAs scored a conciliation second half try with good interplay and pace to score a good counter attacking try that was converted. 31-14. They did their shirt proud and were competitive until the end.

St Albans showed signs of sitting back a little with some poor decision making and execution butchering some great try scoring opportunities. Why on earth a forward should decide to kick with a 4 on 2 overlap was a source of a lot of discussion in the bar after, sorry to say the man himself (who shall remain nameless) couldn’t offer a plausible one.

It was a credit to the fourteen men on the pitch that in the second half the Gladiators only conceded three tries.

Final score of the game fell to Brad “oh sit down” H. who bullied his way over to collect another try this season that was converted again by A. Still. To give a final score of 38-14

The St Albans 2’s would like to congratulate a spirited Gladiators on good game played in great spirit and hard fought. Will be an interesting return fixture.

Match details

Match date

Sat 28 Oct 2017

Kickoff

15:00

Competition

Division 4

League position

5
St Albans 2nd
7
O.A.s Gladiators
Team overview
Further reading

Team Sponsors

Club Sponsor - Lister Interiors Ltd
Offical Charity Partner - East & North Herts Hospitals Charity