Herts/Middlesex One: St Albans 13 UCS Old Boys 6

UCS Old Boys went down 13-6 on their trip to St Albans in Herts/Middlesex One.

A string of high tackles from St Albans led to a kicking opportunity just outside of the 22, which Corne Van Vurren stepped up to and slotted between the posts.

Following the restart, fumbles and penalties against UCS resulted in a long period of possession for the opposition, gaining ground with each carry.

Eventually after sucking in players, a wide ball and a step inside unlocked the Old Boys defence with St Albans touching down and kicking the conversion to lead 7-3.

This was followed by good attacking opportunities from both sides, but a number of penalties caused the game to slow at points.

One of the penalties against UCS was in a kickable location and was knocked over by St Albans.

The remainder of the half saw UCS strong in defence within their own 22, keeping out St Albans against a flurry of attacks.

The second half began with strong defensive pressure from Old Boys but, as would be the tale of the half, the whistle was blown for an infringement.

Penalties for and against were awarded, leading again to a kicking opportunity for St Albans, which was taken as the hosts moved 13-3 ahead.

A high tackle from St Albans resulted in a yellow card and gave UCS a man advantage.

Taking this opportunity with some strong running and more penalties, Van Vurren was again given the chance to take another three points.

In the following phase of play, a tackle around the chest from Lysander Code resulted in tit-for-tat yellow card against UCS.

Even being a man down, UCS fought hard to press the opposition and continued to search for the try which could tie the match.

Unfortunately the final whistle was blown before this could come to fruition.