A slow start proved crucial as St Albans Rugby Club went down 19-14 to a well-drilled London Nigerian side at Boggymead.

An injury to hooker Ed Mason in the opening few minutes did not help the hosts settle and they were 12-0 down after just 15 minutes.

Slowly they started to rouse themselves from their slumbers and became much more competitive in all facets of play.

With fly-half Nick Woolley and centre Dan Townson starting to look dangerous, Saints got back into the game when winger Sam Millicheap went over for a well-worked try.

Mark Kentish converted to leave the half-time score at 12-7.

And the comeback was completed when skipper John Sayers drove over for a score, converted by Woolley.

However further injuries to Kentish and Jeremy Walmsley didn’t help the cause and the disruptions allowed Nigerian back into the game.

And they took full advantage to score their third try of the game and regain the lead.

Despite the loss and injuries St. Albans did perform well for long periods of the game.

A club spokesman said: “In the forwards Dave Jones and replacement Joe Pleece showed real character whilst in the backs Jake Milburn looks an exciting prospect.”

This week Saint’s travel to Belsize Park to face another of the league’s high-flyers.