Bradford Dudley Hill 25

St Albans Centurions 18

Liam Brentley, on loan from Doncaster for three months, was given the game-star award for Bradford Dudley Hill as they made it seven wins on the bounce in LHF Healthplan National League Three.

However, although Hill's much-vaunted defence was on top in the first half, during which they established a 22-6 lead, they were on the back foot for much of the second half in the face of a spirited St Albans revival.

With ten minutes to go, the hosts only led 24-18 and it needed a drop goal from Danny Whiteley in the 76th minute to calm Hill's nerves.

It seemed business as usual after three minutes when Jamie Brentley collected Whiteley's kick to score a try in the corner.

Lee Innes, back from rugby league duties with the British Army team in Australia, missed the conversion, but he made amends two minutes later with a penalty after the Centurions were caught ripping the ball out in the tackle.

Good handling put centre Jason Lee over in the 16th minute, Innes adding the extras, and the purple patch continued in the 19th minute when another neat move put Jack Bradbury over.

Seven minutes later Innes bagged a try after Hill again showed off their crisp attacking skills, the BARLA international being released by substitute Sam Broadley.

Innes converted for 22-0, but this setback stung St Albans into action and they got a try in the 35th minute from Craig Gunnell, loose forward Adam Cox adding the two points.

Whatever the Centurions' coach said at half-time did the trick as they were a different side in the second half.

Hill, who were without Chris Robinson (work commitments), were the first to score, however, after St Albans were adjudged to be holding down, Innes landing a 54th-minute penalty.

Centurions really came into the game after that, the powerful Roy Dube forcing his way over in the 65th minute, Cox converting.

Hooker Richard Smith crossed five minutes later, Cox again improving it. Whiteley's drop goal, which won him the game-breaker award, was the only further score against a side that seem bound for the play-offs.

Centre Dave Brown, who is set to return home to New Zealand for a month, was man of the match for Hill, and Liam Brentley might be with Hill for only a month as Doncaster then have an option to have him back.