Like most clubs, Welwyn strive to see players join our senior section once they've played through the juniors and on Saturday (8th Jan) there were several players on show who had made this move. Welwyn Mauraders went into the fixture with eight players under 20 and three making their senior debuts from the Colts team. It was a day where conditions and the age and experience of the St Albans team reduced the game for long periods to an arm wrestle in the mud.

However, in the first half when Welwyn did win possession in the opponents’ half, they did look the more likely to score out wide. Indeed, on two occasions when the ball was passed via the back to the right winger it resulted in two trys. One of the conversions from the touchline, the ball sailed over the crossbar from the boot of Brad Wyles, for which turned out to be, a crucial two points.

As the game wore on St Albans were able to play their way up field resulting in a try through the forwards just before half-time whistle.

The rain returned to coincide with the start of the second half with very similar patterns of play emerging. St Albans continuing to work on runners close to the ruck making little ground each time, when Welwyn had the limited possession made many metres with number 8 Alex Amole featuring very prominently in the most progress made. St Albans did score again, but with both conversions missed there followed a tense close out to the game.

In front of parents and coaches, the 3 debutants (Will Goff, Will Hughes and Harrison Slade) never took a backward step, tackled manfully and with light fading fast were able along with their teammates to hold on for a much deserved victory.