League London North West Three Twickenham 22 St Albans 28 ST Albans continued their winning run on Saturday but had to fight hard to defeat a determined, hard running Twickenham. Saints were in confident mood after winning both their first two matches

League London North West Three

Twickenham 22 St Albans 28

ST Albans continued their winning run on Saturday but had to fight hard to defeat a determined, hard running Twickenham.

Saints were in confident mood after winning both their first two matches to top Division Three North West but had to make several late changes to the side due to unavailability.

Hosts Twickenham controlled the play early on and went 6-0 up inside 10 minutes with two penalties.

The St Albans pack gave an indication of their power as they forced the opposition of their own scrum. St Albans swept down the blind side with Dave Stanford making good ground before Charlie Howard sped away for a try in the corner. With the usual kicker Mark Kentish away, Andrew Still saw his effort fade just past the post.

With the forwards taking control of the set piece, the three-quarter line started to cause the Twickenham defence problems. Saints took the lead on 26 minutes as a sweeping move down the right gave winger Ed Coy space to make ground. After making good yards it seemed that the cover defence would halt the move, but Coy sidestepped inside beating three players in one move and sprinted to the line. Still added the conversion.

Before half time Twickenham reduced the arrears with a penalty, and Howard restored the advantage with a dropped goal with the last kick of the half.

Just after half time Twickenham reduced the deficit again with a well worked try which resulted in their number eight crashing over. Although the conversion was missed it was only a minute later that Saints again transgressed in the ruck and Twickenham kicked the penalty to retake the lead.

St Albans sent on Phil James and Mark Davies who went to number eight and his first touch was to finish off a push over try. The conversion was missed but Saints were again in front.

Twickenham threw everything into attack but often over elaborated spurning chances to put more pressure on Saints defence. They did retake the lead with 10 minutes to go when, from a lineout five metres from St Albans line they forced themselves over the line. The conversion was missed and therefore the lead was only two points.

Unfortunately for Twickenham they transgressed from the restart and Andrew Still's well struck penalty gave Saints a one point advantage. This seemed to take the sting out of the home side and St Albans extended their lead with another fine piece of play by Coy who scored his second try to complete a 28-22 victory.

The coaches were less pleased with this performance but praised the side for a dogged display. Dave Callum was named Man of the Match.

Other results

Herts/Middlesex Merit Table

Hertford V 12 St Albans III 52