Fixture

St Albans v Caerau was an entertaining local derby.  With the weather set fair, and a good crowd supporting both sides, it was a hard fought but fair, entertaining game that could have gone either way.  Caerau came out of the blocks first and dominated early territory and possession.  The Buns looked dangerous on the counter but it came as no surprise when Caerau set up a position for a backs move that gave the visitors a deserved lead.  However, St Albans building on their improved play of recent weeks got back into the game in typical fashion.  They scored a great team try as backs and forwards combined to send skipper Dan Millward racing over for the equalising score.  The Buns had the wind in their sails but credit Caerau for again getting on top up front and moving into a 12-5 interval lead.

With Caerau’s scrum having the edge, they were favourites for the game, but the Buns hung on in there.  The pack dug deep – and their improved play was rewarded when a scrum near the line resulting in a home try.  With both sides looking for the win, Caerau broke up a home attack with a clearing kick which fell to George Hunt Pain who backed up his impressive form with another try.  Caerau replied with a penalty to bring the score to 17-15 to St Albans who extended their lead with a Mike Thomas drop goal.  Caerau pressed to the end – but the Buns defended for their life and held out for a gutsy 20-15 win.  Centre, Walter Gilbert was prominent in the defensive effort and carried well in attack.  His best performance in a Buns’ shirt.