St Albans Centurions recorded their first win of the East Rugby League season at a sodden Brentwood Eels.

The 26-18 win in Essex had begun in a heavy rain storm culminating in mistakes from both sides.

But despite missing five regulars, Cents opened the scoring when second row Roy Dube drove his way over the line in the 14th minute.

This was converted by Nick Woolley and the scrum-half added another conversion following Peter Strain’s try, as the Cents adapted to the conditions much better than their hosts.

But mistakes started to creep back into their game and poor handling allowed the Eels to close within two points by half-time, thanks to two tries of their own.

The second period saw Cents running down the hill and with the half just three minutes old, Woolley raced through to score.

Six minutes later Sam Allen kicked through for a try, again converted by Woolley, and a 10-point lead.

Again dropped balls were proving St Albans’ biggest problems and it was back to a two-point margin again after two tries in three minutes.

But with five minutes remaining the Centurions got the game-clinching score.

Again it was Woolley who got the try, and again it was converted, to complete a much-welcomed victory.

St Albans travel to Milton Keynes Wolves on Saturday for a East Rugby League Cup game.

Back at Toulmin Drive’s Colosseum, the Centurions’ masters team took on the representitive side of London and Down South (LaDS).

The Over 35, strictly social version of the game drew players from whole rugby family in the St Albans area, both union and league.

And they quickly gelled into an impressive outfit, crossing the whitewash seven times.

The scores aren’t recorded and the whole event was celebrated afterwards with free beer brewed by local brewer Kevin Yelland, from Alehouse Brewery at the Farmer’s Boy.

Captain Mick O’Shea said: “Old players are always welcome and our next event is at the Southern Masters Festival at Medway on June 10.”

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