A good crowd turned up for the long awaited return of league rugby at Hobbs Way, but the Welwyn faithful were left disappointed, as a well-organised St Albans side snatched a win with virtually the last kick of the game.

Welwyn gave league debuts to no fewer than five players – hooker Josh Walkey, second row Andrew LeBaigue, prop Jed Hunter, centre Ali Cooper and utility back Fin Sutherland. A warm, sunny and still day were perfect conditions for an open game of rugby, but both sides struggled to put phases together in an unremarkable and scoreless first half.

Welwyn emptied their bench in the second half with Joe Burns, Rob Picken and Sutherland all coming on as Welwyn struggled to convert possession into points. Welwyn finally broke the deadlock on the hour. The ball was moved wide and skipper Josh Milton put last year’s captain Adam Harcourt into space and he ran in unopposed. Fly half, Chris Kemp added the extras and Welwyn were 7-0 up.

Welwyn created several more chances but were unable to convert them and St Albans were still in the game as the clock ticked around to 75 minutes played. Welwyn’s discipline then let them down and they conceded a penalty which St Albans gratefully kicked to the corner. A well-executed catch and drive resulted in a try out wide and the Welwyn crowd held their breath as fly half, Harry Trude, lined up the conversion to tie the scores. A well struck kick came in off the far post and St Albans were level at 7-7. With time virtually up, St Albans put together one final attack. This was halted right in front of the posts by a dangerous tackle and Trude made no mistake with the ensuing penalty kick.

Both sides will no doubt be pleased to have got their first league match for 18 months under their belts. Results from elsewhere in the league indicate that this could be an eventful season for both teams.