St Albans Crusaders could not maintain their hold on last years 9 a side winners trophy when they took part in the East Rugby League opening tournament of the 2018 season. Travelling to Hitchin, the home of North Herts Crusaders, with only the bare minimum of players, the Cents did not have the luxury that the other teams had of replacements, even so, they made it into the semi final playoffs. All the teams from the East RL premier division took part, including guests Eastern Rhinos, and several teams had first and second teams playing.
Unfortunately the weather did not help, as the day changed from cold, to cold and windy, then cold windy and wet - just the start we expect to the summer rugby league season. Next week the Cents return to Hitchin to take on the Crusaders in the first round of the East Rugby League. Photos from the tournament are now on our photo website. Also, the draw for the 1st round of the East RL Cup had been made and Cents were drawn away to Brentwood Eels on 26th May (One week after we play them in the league at home.) The annual preseason festival is set to take place at North Herts Crusaders in 2018!
They club hosted the first East RL 9s festival back in 2013 whilst based at Letchworth but have since rehoused themselves at Hitchin Rugby Club. The festival has really gained some momentum over the past couple of years and is considered part of 'The Treble' of trophies on offer to the East RL clubs. St Albans Centurions took the spoils last year with a thrilling last minute score to win the comp. Tournament History 2013 - Kings Lynn Black Knights 2014 - Milton Keynes Wolves 2015 - Bedford Tigers 2016 - Bedford Tigers 2017 - St Albans Centurions The 2018 tournament will take place this Saturday on April 28th. Players meet at 12 noon for a 1pm competition start. Please contact head coach Simba Mupamhanga or Chairman Andy Lake if you are available and fancy a run out. St Albans Centurions U14's travelled to Medway Dragons on Saturday hoping to capitalise on their winning two from two start to the season.
Unfortunately they came across a big well drilled Medway team that would not let them settle and get into the game. With a final score of 48 points to 18, Cents will be working hard in training before their next home game on 12th May against Eastern Rhinos. St Albans Centurions Under 14's continued their winning start to the season with a resounding 50 points to 8 win over Rutlish Raiders from Wimbledon. Coaches report below:- The sun was shining and a lovely warm morning greeted us at Toulmin Drive, quite a contrast from training on Thursday evening. Everything from start to finish went very smoothly, and thanks to the parents for setting the pitch up for me. Centurions had really good playing numbers with newcomers Josh and Joe (both Hitchin RFC), Monty (Fullerians RFC) and Jack (Chess Valley RFC) and local boy Billy Todd (still only year 8). There was a welcome return to the squad of Finley B and Huw. I am happy to report we finally had a referee, so I could coach, with the excellent help of Adam ! The opposition from Rutlish Raiders travelled with 10 players, so effectively the 20 Cents youngsters formed a different team for the first and second half. The coaches instructions were go out and enjoy the game, get a feel for the game and look to control possession. This the boys did in spades, conceding only one try in either half, the second being a fantastic effort from the away side. In the meantime, Cents scored some beauties themselves with Max (3), Finley, Huw (2), Billy, Alfi and Faris crossing the whitewash and Joel (3) and Joe (4) conversions. The spirit in the squad is fantastic, and I have no doubt that as we train together more and grow into the game, with the new players growing in confidence, then we will have a good year. I don’t tend to analyse each player though these reports, but I have to say the newcomers played really well. The old timers were on task and I do have to say every boy contributed positively to the overall team effort. The only cloud on an otherwise excellent day was a serious collar bone injury to Jack (later confirmed as broken), after a superb run. We wish him all the best and a speedy recovery. The Cents photographer was down today and I am sure some excellent photos of the lads in action will be up on the photo website soon. For the record: Alfi Gibb, Billy Todd, Ethan Edwards, Faris Puffet, Finley Ball, Finlay Tetlow, Huw Dawson, Jack Hurrell, Jason Roe, Joe Adams, Joel Peters, Josh Staddon, Max Hawkins, Monty Montague, Rory Vorster, Tim Jones, Tom Peak, Tom Phillips & Will Scull. Final score: 50-8 St Albans Centurions U14's 26 -v- 22 Elmbridge Eagles
St Albans Centurions U14's got their 2018 season off to a flying start with a close run victory over the Elmbridge Eagles at Toulmin Drive today. Coach Gary Tetlow said " There was only one try difference in that game, it was very close. The boys played well together in their first competitive game of the season. There were a few teething problems that we will be working on in training, but on the whole I was pleased with their commitment. Next week we are at home again against Rutlish Raiders."
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