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Llandaff North RFC 17 St Albans RFC 31

Big thank you to Match Day Sponsor Allan Nicholls (Rock on Karaoke)

St Albans RFC returned to winning ways in the League with a hard fought, bonus point win, against a very determined Llandaff North team.

On a weekend that saw floods hit Wales, and large numbers of cancellations - a late morning pitch inspection at Hailey Park saw the derby game definitely on.

Having been 'blunted' in defeat in their previous league game, the Buns were very aware that the current league position of Llandaff North did not reflect their lowly league position.  The North were 'more than a handful', competed fiercely and the Buns were delighted to head back to Tremorfa with a bonus point victory.

From the early parts of the game, the Buns were left in no doubt that their opponents were 'up for the game'.  After holding out against initial Buns. attacks - the Home side finished off a midfield drive with quick ball fto their outside backs to touch down out wide - nicely converted in conditions

St Albans returned to their game plan and attacking intent but were being met head on by Llandaff Norths agressive play at the breakdown.  To the Buns' credit, they found a way to score as Cameron Escott cleverly found space before a lovely inside pass found his centre partner,  Craig Fish, who dived over, Mike Thomas added the extra points.

This did not discourage Llandaff North, whose determination again found them taking the game to St Albans with powerful forward drives.  The Home side scored under the posts for a coinverted try and followed up with a successful penalty goal that stretched the North's lead to 10 points.
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With half time approaching, the Buns were up against it and responded with character.  Playing to the conditions - they abandoined their attacking instincts - carried the ball amongst forwards and backs - and created the pressure for Number 10, Mike Thomas to score a try which he converted.

17-14 to  Llandaff North at half time - anyone's game.
 

Momentum was going to be key in the Second Half.  it was the Buns who grabbed the initiative, moved down the field and created the pressure for Thomas to cross for his second try and put the away team in front..  St Albans were determined to hang onto their lead - and a clever play from centre, Cameron Escott saw him burrow over for another try - again converted by Thomas streching the Buns's lead to 9 points.

Injuries up front, saw St Albans deploy centre, Lewis Skrines as a temporary No 8.  It was Skrines who scored the bonus point try - crashing over from 5 yards - a distance that got longer and longer as the night progressed.;  Again Thomas added the extras..

To Llandaff North's credit they  spent last the 5 minutes attacking in an attempt to salvage a losing bonus point but Buns defence held firm.  The Home team showed enough throughout the game to suggest that their elusive first win is just around the corner.

Next Saturday the firsts host Wattstown RFC at Tremorfa Park..