RUGBY UNION: A ST ALBANS rugby team is celebrating after winning it s first game of the season… at the 15th attempt. St Albans III XV beat UCS III 56-26 at the weekend to pick up their first win of the season. Two tries apiece from Harris, Mason, Edwards

RUGBY UNION: A ST ALBANS rugby team is celebrating after winning it's first game of the season... at the 15th attempt.

St Albans III XV beat UCS III 56-26 at the weekend to pick up their first win of the season.

Two tries apiece from Harris, Mason, Edwards and Morris and one each for Vennard and Elvy secured the thumping victory.

The team's record going into Saturday's contest was played 14 lost 14 with 110 scored and a whopping 636 conceded.

Captain Bill Harris says consistency has been an issue with 67 players turning out for the side and that there have been a wonderful variety of excuses.

"We've had a variety of excuses, which got more imaginative as the season progressed," said Harris. "We started with the usual ones such as 'the second team nicked half our players', and 'We were carrying too many injuries'.

"But then had to start resorting to 'the ref had it in for us', and latterly 'the changing room was too small'."

Despite the startling league stats, Harris insists the team all still love their rugby.

"While we might lack in success on the pitch, we make up for it in the bar afterwards," he said.

"We have a great mix of players - from the up and coming, to the 'was good once' and of course the 'why on earth does he pull a shirt on?' - but before, during and after every game there's a great camaraderie and spirit."

St Albans' third team serves two purposes; firstly as a starting point for the up and coming players, and somewhere for the club to give any new members a run-out.

Secondly it's a pasture for the club's 'older' players who still enjoy getting muddy, making the odd tackle and having a few beers afterwards.

"What I love about rugby is the togetherness," continued Harris.

"You knock the hell out of each other for 80 minutes on the pitch, then buy each other a drink and have a chat afterwards.

"The club makes a point of encouraging this - we usually get a jug for the opposition, and we also provide the referee with a tankard which is filled for free for as long as he stays.