The majority of St Albans Hockey Club’s games fell foul to sub-zero temperatures last weekend – but the men’s ninths braved the conditions in a high-scoring win over Stevenage fifths.

The team, still embryonic since their formation at the start of the season, now lie third in their division after their latest victory, a comfortable 7-3 triumph on away soil.

Saints began strongly and the sheer intensity of their first-half performance saw them race to a 4-1 lead at the interval.

However, a lapse in concentration, and perhaps overconfidence, saw them ship two quick strikes when the two sides returned to the field – and having seemed dead and buried, Stevenage were soon pressing for an equaliser.

But a flowing end-to-end move which started with a short corner for the hosts re-asserted the Saints’ advantage and a two-goal lead.

Stevenage could still smell blood and poured forward as they attempted to get themselves back into the game once more. But this time, the storm was weathered by the visitors, who kept their lead in tact.

Another couple of goals would follow from St Albans to seal what could be their best win of the season.

Nick Ramage, Jon Rudhoe and Steve Fox all claimed braces on the day, while Tom Mulqueen netted a solitary strike for himself.

Back-to-back home games will now follow for the Saints.