The Centurions were left to rue a succession of missed chances as a fourth away game on the run saw them lose to local rivals, Hemel Stags. On a windswept afternoon, St Albans conceded the customary early try with just a minute on the clock. But any thoughts of a walkover by the home side were soon dispelled as ferocious tackling and solid forward play brought the Saints back into an enthralling game. Chances to draw the game level went begging for the Centurions and they paid a heavy price when the Stags crossed the line again just before the half-hour mark to lead 10-0. Sterling work from always-impressive Dale Gardner was rewarded when he side-stepped half the Hemel team to score the Centurions’ first try, expertly converted by Alex Powdrell. Half-time 10-6. In the second-half, the Centurions ran the show. Marshalled brilliantly by Sam Bucknall, who was head-and-shoulders the best player on the park, the away team moved into another gear to take the game by the scruff of the neck. Gardner added his second of the day after 49 minutes. Tom Sweeney scored an excellent try of his own four minutes later. And then Niall Braniff smashed through a demoralised defence on 56 minutes. A Powdrell conversion put the Centurions 20-10 up and cruising. Further tries should have followed. But a series of careless mistakes let Hemel off and they sensed they were still in the match. On 66 minutes, the Stags broke free to score against the run of play but with eight minutes left, Centurions were still ahead 20-14 and in control. But when a converted try brought the home team level, the Centurions lost their composure. Three minutes later disaster struck when the referee missed a clear knock-on by the Stags full-back, foul play off-the-ball and, finally, a Hemel player clearly stepping into touch in order to get around the Centurions defence to score. A last-second Stags try from a hopeful up-and-under added salt to the wound. Coach Mupamhanga was devastated: “after a terrible start, we dominated the second half and should have run away as clear winners. The ref’s indecision didn’t help but it was our own decision-making which eventually cost us the points. Hopefully, it’s a lesson all the players can learn from.” The Centurions will be ready for revenge when they meet Hemel again at home in the Cup on Saturday 29th June, 2.30pm start. Final score: Hemel Stags 32 St Albans Centurions 20 Sat. 8th June, 2.30pm k.o. at Pennine Way, Hemel Hempstead Comments are closed.
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