Possibly both sets of players wanted a reprise of the previous encounter in Suffolk. The match stats will attest to the fact that Old Albanians took the first half comfortably and at the break were 26-10 up and a bonus point to the good.

The hosts did not even seem to have worked up a lather whilst amassing what seemed to be a convincing advantage in the first period. The pack, sprightly and strong in most respects, took the fight to their opponents and scrums and lineouts bore copious fruit as voracious backs tore holes in Bury’s beleaguered defence. It seemed not to matter that the visitors had taken the lead with a Charlie Reed penalty two minutes in, nor that Ruaraidh Williams had crossed the line just into the second quarter, Reed improving.

By the break OAs were a bonus point up courtesy of Alex Noot, Elliot McPhun (twice) and Thomas Stileman and three Dan Watt conversions. The second half, with the wind in the Albanian favour, seemed propitious for the St Albans side and Stileman’s second strike,four minutes in, with Watt’s accomplished conversion took the margin to an impressive 23 points.

And that’s where it stopped, at least for the hosts!

Bury took the hot seat from hereon, simplified their approach and gradually wore down their erstwhile oppressors. Williams completed his double going into the final quarter and was joined by Matt Bursey with fifteen minutes yet to play. Two magnificent Reed conversions spurred the visitors towards heroism and fierce pressure still penned the OAs back. Sami Kharbouch continued the assault going to no side but Reed’s rapid conversion simply ushered the final whistle.

Brian Quinn,

Journalist