OAs see off local rivals in vital success

ALBANIAN recorded a five-point victory over local rivals Bishop’s Stortford in fine style.

But all are agreed there is much work to do to remain in National One at the end of the season.

This work may well focus on the generosity OAs seem to display when treating opponents to unforced errors and positional benefits when giving away needless penalties.

The first quarter showcased the best and worst of OA abilities when a rapidly gained 14-point advantage was as quickly allowed to vanish when Bishop’s Stortford achieved parity. All this in the first 15 minutes.

Stortfords’ scrum power was a problem for Albanians for the first hour and were it not for sturdy OA defence the result may have been different.

Chris West, man of the match, and Jack Daly crossed first for Albanians, each effort converted by Tom Bednall.

Bill Roberts and Ryan Hutler replied in kind for the visitors and George Cullen made it all square.

Matt Gallagher crossed on the half hour but Cullen cut the lead with a penalty.

OAs’ two-point interval advantage was extended when hooker Tadgh McElroy charged over and Bednall converted.

Morgan Thompson and Reuben Bird-Tulloch both found holes late on for the hosts to seal the bonus point as the OAs attack took the opportunity to express themselves.