Despite a much improved performance saints fell to another league defeat on Saturday this time to table topping Civil Service. As with last weeks game St Albans forwards turned in a sterling performance but the team could not convert pressure into points.
download warkraftWith a good sized crowd watching, following a vice presidents lunch, St Albans started the game as if they were bound to break the poor run of results. The forwards had the upper hand in the scrums, and with the lineout much improved, won a stream of possession. The threequarters ran strongly and applied sustained pressure on the Civil Service defence. However, their defence was well organised and some strong tackling held the home side at bay. Slightly against the run of play Civil Service took the lead with a well worked try when their centre burst through two tackles to take play beyond the twenty two metre line. Despite a good tackle from Joe Shaw at fullback he managed to get his pass away and although the ball was fumbled the Civil service retained possession to score in the corner. The conversion was missed.
The score inspired the visitors and it was clear why they are setting the pace in London two. For the next twenty minutes they took control and it's was Saints turn to show their defensive quality. In the end the pressure told and another try was scored which was duly converted. For the rest of the first half St Albans again raised their game and dominated the play. Their effort was rewarded when number eight John Sayers was on hand to put the final touches to a fine forward drive. Jack Stevenson, in his first start of the season, hooked the conversion wide and minutes later had the chance to reduce the arrears further but again saw his kick go wide of the posts. This left the scores at 5 - 12 at half time and all to play for.
The second half was a very even contest with both sides having passages where they were on top, but where as St Albans failed to take advantage of their pressure Civil Service slipped through for two further tries one of which was converted.
At 24 - 5 and with Jack Stevenson leaving the field injured Saints threw in a couple of old names in the fray with Donald Onyuma and Simon Andrews came on. Unfortunately any chance of a comeback were dashed when Andrews was harshly sin binned after being punched by the opposition hooker.
As with last weeks game despite losing St Albans can look to an improved performance. With injured and unavailable players still waiting to come into the squad a first victory at this level cannot be far away.
St Albans nominated centre Gareth Lane as their Man of the Match.