St Albans Rugby Club’s head coach Richard Hope admitted it was tough to watch at times during their 38-0 defeat by Verulamians.

Herts Advertiser: Jordan Cox looks to go round Tom Bloomfield. Picture: KARYN HADDONJordan Cox looks to go round Tom Bloomfield. Picture: KARYN HADDON (Image: Archant)

It wasn’t that Saints were totally outclassed but they were just that little bit off the pace compared to their hosts and were also architects of their own misfortune.

Hope said: “It was really hard to watch because they didn’t create many of their tries, they’ve all come off our mistakes.

“When we dropped the ball, they went the length of the pitch; when we threw a horrible pass, they got there first.

“It’s one of those things where we’ve got to learn that we cannot make those mistakes time and time again but if we do, then we’ve got to scramble quicker.

Herts Advertiser: No way through the Vees defence for William Batchelor of St Albans. Picture: KARYN HADDONNo way through the Vees defence for William Batchelor of St Albans. Picture: KARYN HADDON (Image: Archant)

“It was better than last week but still not where we need to be. We want to play with more fluidity, we want to try running the ball but we need to change the culture and change the mindset to get to where we want.”