Twickenham 27-St.Albans 18

 

On the first game of the new season and facing newly promoted opponents a delayed start was the last thing that was needed, but die to heavy traffic at the RFU the match referee arrived late.

 

St.Albans kicked off and mounted sustained pressure on the Twickenham defence before losing possession to Ts. A determined riposte and a quick feed to the wing saw last years colt Russell Witham score his first home league try which was converted by Phil Astbury.

 

For the next 30 minutes the game was played at a frenetic level, on a rock hard pitch and in scorching temperature, the lead changing hands three times and just before half time with the score at 13 all the T’s scrum half Chris Russell playing his first game for the club gathered a dropped St.Alban’s ball and crossed the line to make it 20-13.

 

T’s prop Richard Moses opened the scoring in the second  half with a try again converted by Astbury which opened the difference to 14 points and although the visitors rallied in the last quarter and saw their winger score a well worked try the truth is that Twickenham never looked like losing this match, but will need to tighten up some areas of play when facing  another newly promoted side , the Bank of England, with their large South African contingent next week.

 

Team.Moses,Towock,Bowler,Goff,See,Colquhon,I’Anson,Kirby, Russell, Astbury(capt.) Wadden,Stone,Foley,Witham,Isherwod.

Subs; Walker,Howden,Peters.