A LACKLUSTRE St Albans side crashed out of the Herts Presidents Cup after a 18-11 defeat at the hands of Welwyn in mud bath conditions.

Saints started brightly but were unable to convert their pressure into points despite crossing their oppositions' goal line on two occasions.

However, it was Welwyn who drew first blood with a well-struck penalty although Saints quickly hit back when McMulian sped past his man to score in the corner.

Injuries to the two St Albans props then proved to be the turning point in the match as Welwyn made the most of the advantage to set up camp in the St Albans' half, taking the lead with a Derek Jitski drop goal.

Saints fought back, knowing the weather conditions and slope of the pitch would favour Welwyn in the second half, but could only muster a further three points from the boot of Stevenson before the break.

Welwyn started the second half strongly and scored an unconverted try in the corner after good work from their pack. Saints hit back with a further two penalties from Stevenson although continued to struggle to stamp their authority on the match.

The hosts soon seized the initiative and scored the decisive try of the afternoon when flanker Dave Fish quickly took a free-kick before slipping through a static St Albans defence before going over.