St Albans Rugby Club are hoping that their 32-14 win over Old Merchant Taylors’ is the catalyst to a rise up the London North West Three table.

Herts Advertiser: St Albans produced a potentially season-changing performance in the win over Old Merchant Taylors'. Picture: LIBBY HEALEYSt Albans produced a potentially season-changing performance in the win over Old Merchant Taylors'. Picture: LIBBY HEALEY (Image: Archant)

Both teams needed a win to kick start their season, having each only won one of the opening four fixtures.

But Saints dominated, producing a performance built on a strong defensive line and solid team effort.

Herts Advertiser: St Albans produced a potentially season-changing performance in the win over Old Merchant Taylors'. Picture: LIBBY HEALEYSt Albans produced a potentially season-changing performance in the win over Old Merchant Taylors'. Picture: LIBBY HEALEY (Image: Archant)

Early pressure forced OMT to give penalties away, handing Albans good field position, and they took full advantage when Oliver Fountain went over in the corner.

Harry Trude added a conversion then a penalty but two interceptions and two converted tries put the visitors in front.

Herts Advertiser: St Albans produced a potentially season-changing performance in the win over Old Merchant Taylors'. Picture: LIBBY HEALEYSt Albans produced a potentially season-changing performance in the win over Old Merchant Taylors'. Picture: LIBBY HEALEY (Image: Archant)

But Saints were ahead at the break with Joe Shaw’s try and they ended all doubts in the second half.

Oliver Cooper-Millar, Phillip Tsangari and Tom Webb added to the try count, bringing the bonus-point and the win.

Herts Advertiser: St Albans produced a potentially season-changing performance in the win over Old Merchant Taylors'. Picture: LIBBY HEALEYSt Albans produced a potentially season-changing performance in the win over Old Merchant Taylors'. Picture: LIBBY HEALEY (Image: Archant)