A bright and sunny afternoon signalled the start of yet another season for the OA Saints at Woollams. Missing out on a play-off spot last season and suffering a loss in preseason to Bletchley meant a good performance was needed from the outset if we are to stand any chance of promotion this season.

A fair number of changes had been made to the squad by head coach Darran Brown since the Bletchley game with a number of players having returned from injury and holidays, this looks to have done the job.

A strong start by Chesham however nearly took the shine off what was overall a pleasing afternoon for the St. Albans based outfit. A skewed free-kick by the visitors ended up in the goal area and Chesham wasted no time securing the try on offer.

The hosts were not put off by this and as the half went on, began to find their rhythm with better lines of running, expansive play and some solid defence when needed. A creeping penalty count by the visitors after being under consistent pressure meant that the half ended with the Saints just in front after a darting run by Skelton and finish by Gooding.

The second half started much as the first had finished, the Saints pack making good yards around the park and some cutting lines from the backs kept the score board ticking over.

As the game moved into the final quarter, head coach Brown started to ring the changes as no less than 4 players (Blackwell, Everett, Ives & Drummond) made their senior debut for the home side. Chesham also found their stride again to land a couple of late scores but the Saints had built up enough of a lead for this not to effect the outcome. Saints Win 29-17.

A good start to the season and with a squad full of this much potential, we should see better performances imminently.

Tries: Skelton (2), Gooding, Stobbs and Kreysa. Conversions: Abumarzouq (2)

Henry Clear,

Saints Assistant Coach