St Albans Centurions is saying goodbye to one of its long time players in August when Nick Woolley flies off to start another life in Dubai.
School teacher Nick started to play for St Albans in 2009, and, ten years later played his last game for us in 2018. In between, Nick has won representative honours for Cornwall and GB Teachers as well as being a regular for the Cents. Cents committee member Brian Parker said "Every club has a Mr Nice Guy, and Nick was ours. He will be a big miss, but everyone at Cents wishes him a great time in Dubai." (By the way Nick, although its a hot 32 degrees in St Albans today, just checked an its a balmy 44 in Dubai.) What is being called the biggest rugby league event ever to take place in London is happening this Saturday. The London 9's are taking place at the East London Rugby Club in West Ham, and there will be 38 teams playing 190 games - and St Albans will be first up. As a curtain raiser, the St Albans Masters (The Old Grey Cents) will be taking on the London Silverbacks in a pre tournament game played under masters rules. The St Albans team is being organised by Cents Mick O'Shea, so if you fancy a run out, a few liquid refreshments and the chance to watch some great rugby or just to find out more details, contact Mick at [email protected]
Brentwood Eels 34 St Albans Centurions 24 A blistering start from Brentwood on another red-hot match day, left Centurions trailing 18-4 at half-time and all but out of it. A great second-half fightback followed but not enough to achieve the victory needed for a place in the play-offs. On a lightning quick pitch baked as hard as concrete in the 30 degree heat, the Centurions fell behind in the first minute and even further behind 8 minutes later. The Eels were flying. A short-range dive over the line from the ever-impressive Alex Powdrell reduced the arrears but the respite was only temporary. By half-time Brentwood had a commanding lead. But the Centurions still had hope on their side and the marked slope was now in their favour – and how they responded. A marauding Josh Lawrence – how he’s been missed this season – smashed through the home defence and young Powdrell added the conversion. Then the teenager dived over again for his second of the match. The next try was critical but despite the Cents being camped on the Brentwood line for what seemed an age, the home side grabbed it after a length of the field breakaway. Both sides exchanged two more tries before the final whistle, including a richly deserved hat-trick for man-of-the-match Powdrell. Despite edging the second-half, the first 40 minutes had cost St Albans dear: 34-24 was a frustrating result but a fair one. Captain Joe Baker was as positive as ever. “Once again, some great performances, particularly from Alex and also new-boy Kristin Naylor who ran his heart out. We let ourselves down at key times today especially close to their line and with kicks to touch – but the second-half fightback emphasises just how much spirit this team has. Whilst we’ve missed out on the play-offs, we’ll still be giving everything we’ve got until the end of the season.” Match day photos now on our photo web site. Bedford Tigers 50 St Albans Centurions 16 St Albans Centurions paid the price of travelling to Bedford Tigers brand new stadium with a squad of only fifteen players. With the coach, physio and a number of senior players all unavailable through holidays etc., and a large number of new players in the squad, several for the first time, it wasn't rocket science to realise that the league leaders and cup holders Bedford were the favourites in this game. Unfortunately it got worse for the visitors when just after half time, Cents were down to a bare thirteen players when one player, playing his first ever game of rugby league, was carried off with a dislocated shoulder, and another player came off with a pulled hamstring. With the temperature in the high eighties and no substitutes, the Cents dug in and held out as best they could against a very good Bedford side but playing most of the second half with no substitutes the tiring Cents left gaps that were exploited by the league leaders. Hopefully we might have a couple more players back for next weeks away game at Brentwood Eels. St Albans Centurions U14's ended their 2018 season with a 'bit of a do' at their Toulmin Drive ground on Thursday. The ground was far too hard for even friendly contact rugby league, so coach Gary Tetlow organised a 'Sports Day' and barbeque to celebrate their season ending. Baseball, tug-o-war and seeing who could hula hoop the longest were all part of the entertainment - followed by a b-b-q and refreshments. A great evening in the sunshine was had by all. (Apparently Gary is already planning his game plans for the 2019 season.) Photos are on our club photo website.
St Albans Centurions 38 -v- 16 St Ives Roosters
Home sweet home. After four consecutive away games, the Centurions returned to Toulmin Drive and to winning ways. The pitch side thermometer showed 30 degrees, but it was a great, freeflowing game that saw the Cents get revenge on the Roosters for last weekends defeat. Under a scorching sun, Centurions were on fire. Within four minutes, Andy Stewart, making his senior debut after progressing through the junior ranks, took an exquisite pass from Joe Shaw and raced down the left wing breaking three tackles to score the opening try. Jake Lawrence added the first of three conversions. Ten minutes later, more smart handling down the left allowed Shaw to crash over himself. Another ten minutes and another try, this time a quick switch creating an overlap on the right for Alex Curtis to touchdown. Close to half-time and a quick tap penalty from the visitors caught the Centurions napping to grab a try close to the posts. In response, and with half-time signalled, the home side kept the ball alive, offloading from tackle after tackle until Coach Simba Mupamhanga somehow crossed the line. Half-time 20-4. The second half brought no relief for St Ives. Mupamhanga scored his second try before Scott Clewlow burst through to score one of his own. The excellent Callum Porter topped off a powerful performance with a well-deserved try before Centurions’ try-scoring ended as it begun with young Stewart’s 70-yard breakaway. In the last 10 minutes, the resolute visitors somehow rallied with two converted tries to leave the final score 38-16. Mupamhanga was delighted with the team performance. “It’s been coming. Over recent weeks we’ve been excellent in patches but always managed to let the opposition in either side of half-time. This time, we dominated that period, too. Now the lads have set the bar at this height, we’ve got to keep it there for the rest of the season.” Photos now on our photo web site. |
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