OA’s were founded in 1924 after a group of pupils wanted to continue playing rugby after leaving St Albans School, Hertfordshire. OA’s have spent several years in National One but spent a brief spell in National 2 South. They were promoted back up to National League 1 at the end of the 2015/16 via the play-offs. Current England Second Row, Maro Itoje, played for Old Albanians on a dual registered contract whilst coming through the ranks with Saracens.

The Hertfordshire side come into Saturday's game in 15th place in the National One Table. They have won 4, drawn 1 and lost 19 of their games so far this season. Their top points scorer is Daniel Watt with 71, and their top try scorer is Nick Foster with 5.

National One Table 17/18:

1 Coventry 83
2 Darlington Mowden Park 69
3 Ampthill & District 65
4 Plymouth Albion 62
5 Blackheath 57
6 Old Elthamians 57
7 Bishop's Stortford 52
8 Birmingham Moseley 47
9 Rosslyn Park 43
10 Cambridge 41
11 Caldy 41
12 Esher 38
13 Loughborough Students 32
14 Hull Ionians 31
15 Old Albanians 26
16 Fylde 17

Their wins this season have come against Hull (2), Esher and Mowden. Their win over DMP came in a tight encounter in October as a late Tom Bednall penalty cancelled out a spirited Mowden comeback. The previous encounter between the two sides at the Arena ended in a 22-9 win for Mowden.

Saturday 7th October 2017

Old Albanians 33
Tries: Bednall (2), Bird-Tulloch
Conversions: Watt (3)
Penalties: Watt (3), Bednall

Mowden Park 31
Tries: Radwan, Asher-Wood, Uzokwe
Conversions: B.Connon (2)
Penalties: B.Connon (4)

Saturday 8th October 2016

Mowden Park 22
Tries: Staples, Socino (2)
Conversions: Ryan (2)
Penalties: Ryan

Old Albanians 9
Penalties: May, Palmer (2)

Saturday's game promises to be an entertaining affair, following October's high scoring contest. Don't forget this is another double header, with the men's game followed by the DMP Sharks v Richmond at 4pm.

Match tickets are available on the day from both the CrossBar and the South West Turnstiles. Tickets for the double header will be priced at just £10 for adults, £8 for concessions and as always, kids go FREE. Fans only attending the second game can see the Sharks in action for £2, with kids once again going free.