News

National Bowl - Round 1 - St Albans RFC 29 Penallta IIs 7
(Thank you to Match Sponsors - SKRINES INDEPENDENT TRADERS)

St Albans maintained their early season run of form with a hard fought but ultimately convincing 29-7 win against Penallta IIs.

40 years ago the two teams would have been locking horns in the 'Welsh Brewers Cup', with the Buns warm favourites.  Today' Penallta has developed the template for other Clubs to follow with a Senior, Youth and Junior set up that others seek to emulate.  Last year their #FTroop Second Team reached the Quarter Finals of the Bowl - this year they were put out in the First Round.

The Buns made a few changes for the Cup Game, with Craig Fish making his Firstr Team debut in the centre.  Backed by a strong wind, the home outside half, Ellis Jones used the wind to keep the ball ahead of his eager pack.  Enjoying territorial dominance, Buns number 8, Max Hart broke away from a line out to score the opening try - converted by Jones for a 7-0 lead.

Penallta were proving a real handful and St Albans realised that they needed to capitalise on their chances.  Another visit to the 22 saw home skipper, Josh 'Budgie' Burridge crash over for another try converted by Jones.  This served to fire up Penallta and they served notice of their ability when their centre raced away for a converted try.

The next try was the score of the game.  Ellis Jones fielded the ball, made ground before feeding prop Jamie Boyle who rumbled on a few more yards before feeding flanker, Charley Smith who raced in for an unconverted try.  It was Smith again, on hand, to score the 4th try - converted by Jones to set up a 26-7 lead.

With their tails up the Buns looked to build on their first half performance - with Nathan Hayde looking dangerous.  However it was the wind and the Penallta pack that dominated the Second Half.  St Albans' coaches were delighted that not only did their defensive line hold firm but that a break upfield resulted in a penalty - knocked over by Hayde - to stretch the Home side's lead to 29-7.

A good win, against a good side with a great atmosphere between the two Clubs as post match activities took centre stage.

Next Saturday the Buns face a tough task as they travel to Llanwit Major.

St Albans Second Side found a late friendly away to Morganstown.  A good run out under 'Game On' rules allowed both sides to get much needed game time.  The Buns won 46-12 with winger Luke Jones and Karl Phillips both getting a brace of tries.