SENIOR FIXTURES - 2012

Draft fixtures for our Senior side for 2012 have been issued and we are just waiting on any last minute alterations before publishing them.

The season kicks off on 21/22 April, going through to the Grand Final on 29/30 September.

This year's competition looks a good one with two new, well established clubs - Bristol & St Albans,

Joining us in the 10 club League are:

Warrington Wizards (North West)

Bramley (Yorkshire)

Kippax (Yorkshire)

Huddersfield (Yorkshire)

Nottingham (East Midlands)

Coventry (West Midlands)

Bristol (South West)

Valley Cougars (Wales)

St Albans (London & South East)

This is probably the most geographically balanced league we have ever been in.

JUNIOR LEAGUE UPDATE

Pre-season team training for the London Junior League will commence in half term:

Under 12's - Tuesday 14 Feb 10am - 3.00pm (lunch provided)

Under 14's - Wednesday 15 Feb 10am - 3.00pm lunch provided)

Under 16's - Thursday 16 Feb 10am - 3.00pm (lunch provided)

PRE-SEASON FRIENDLIES (v St Albans Centurions)

Under 12 - Sat 25 Feb  at St Albans (10.30am)

Under 14 - Thurs 23 Feb at Hemel (7pm)

Under 16 - Tues 21 Feb at Hemel (7pm)

Prior to the above the MUGA RUGA for U12's continues on Saturday mornings at 10.45am and the Centre of Excellence for U14's & U16s on Monday nights at 6.30pm.

London Junior League commences Saturday 3 March

For more details contact Community Rugby League Coach Matt Lambert 07940708781

SEASON 2012 PREVIEW

Current status of 2012 is as follows:

TEAMS

Rugby League Conference National

11 clubs in the competition (Featherstone out - St Albans & Bristol in)

Fixtures due out early January

Off season recruitment going well

First fixture will problably again be a mid week pre-season floodlit friendly against St Albans

Conference Youth League (U18)

Probably two divisions of 9 clubs again. Fixtures available mid January

Players have been working out in the Marlowes Gym under new coach Matt Lambert since early November.

London Junior League (U12, U14, U16)

Competition starts on 3 March with 9-a-side tournaments followed immediately by the start of the league programme.

Fixtures due out early January

Minis

Having a mid-season break from their rugby union season and will resume in February on Sunday mornings on the MUGA

Ladies

Have entered the South Division of the Womens League.

Fixtures will commence in May.

FACILITIES

Funding appears to be in place for the grandstand.

Currently working with a couple of projects that may bring us new changing rooms and a new and enlarged car park in 2012.

2013

The club remains committed to joining Championship 1 in 2013 along with three other new clubs. The original plan to expand CC1 in 2012 was postponed by the RFL until 2013 to allow the new clubs  to be fully prepared.

Northampton Town FC , who play at Sixfields, are the first of the four new clubs to be accepted into CC1 in 2013

This is the final season of the Rugby League Conference National. Clubs who are not accepted into CC1 in 2013 will join either what will be effectively the fourth division of the National Conference League or a regional league such as the London League aka Southern Premier League currently

CLUBHOUSE REFURBISHMENT

While most of us having been enjoying the seasonal festivities, a team of club members led by Ernie Howell has been carying out much needed refurbishments to the Function Room of the club.

A full house at New Years Eve at the Club (admission by tickets only) will see the opening of the bright new room that remains one of the town's most popular function venues.

FOUR NATIONS TICKETS - WEMBLEY - £10

The Club has a limited number of tickets available for the GilletteFour Nations

Double-Header at Wembley Stadium on Saturday 5 November

The matches are:

Wales v New Zealand (1.00pm)

England v Australia (3.30pm)

Tickets are £10

ENGLAND U18'S v FRANCE U18S

FRIDAY 4 NOV - 7.30PM - PENNINE WAY

END OF SEASON

PRESENTATION DAY/EVENING

Sunday 25 September

3PM onwards

Minis – U7, U8,U9

Juniors – U11, U12, U14, U16

Youth – U18

Seniors - Men

Women

Come and join us for a HANGI*

*Whole pig and sheep cooked in the ground – Maori style

COST - £3 per person or £5 per family

Download the Flyer below or Contact the club on 01442 219799 to enroll or for more information:

NEXT HOME GAME

NEWS

Hemel Stags win at Bramley. Full report on our forum

HEMEL STAGS 36 FEATHERSTONE LIONS 31 – Pennine Way, Sunday 21 August

A rip-roaring encounter, which saw the lead change hands nine times and each side score six tries, finally went Hemel’s way but shredded the nerves of both coaches. There was much at stake, with a win for the Lions guaranteeing them third place but victory for the Stags ensuring them of a top four finish and all important home advantage in the first playoff game. A promising early Stags move was stopped when Eddie M’Baraga knocked on but hard work by Illija Radan saw the ball spun out to the left wing where Max Edwards making his home debut beat four defenders to squeeze in at the corner post. Featherstone responded with a last tackle power play but a determined Sam Wilson charge was held up over the line. With the Lions in the ascendancy, a good run by Danny Milton made the yards for giant prop John Smith to charge over by the posts. Stags winger Christian Champion was sin binned for holding down after a quick Featherstone break but the remainder of the half was tough going for both teams in hot weather and against two good defences. Stags regained the lead when a high bomb on the last by Ryan Butcher was spilled and, from the resulting scrum, Hemel threw a long ball left for Edwards to stroll over unopposed. Guy Aldam came up with a great storming run but all for nothing as Hemel lost possession with an incorrect play the ball. Lions were denied a try in the run up to the break being called back for Hemel obstructing, their complaints turning to cheers as from the penalty as they worked the ball left for Craig Machen to squeeze over in the corner, Ian Jackson missing the conversion. From the re-start, a jinking run by Danny Glassell saw Jackson over in the corner to give the visitors a narrow lead at the break. Hemel tried a power play on last tackle at the start of the second half, and on the turnover forced the Lions back over their own line for a drop out. From it, a strong run by BJ Swindells saw him break and sprint clear to the line. With the bit between their teeth, a superb 60 metre run by Edwards and good inside ball allowed Seb Ward to take it at speed to canter over the line. Hemel looked like running away with the game but good work from Kyle Littlewood set up Danny Glassell for a fine solo score and another promising Featherstone move was called back for a forward pass. A Stags kick through on the last saw the ball goes dead, but from the quick tap restart by Danny Glassell on the hour caught the hosts asleep and charged the length of the pitch to score to make it 24-22 to the Lions, Strangely, he went in at the corner instead of helping his kicker by going behind the posts, Jackson missing the conversion. That gave the Stags renewed vigour and good pressure saw Edwards claim his hat trick. With ten to go, Lions were awarded a penalty for an offence off the ball in front of posts. They elected to kick what should have been a simple two points but Jackson hit the left hand post, the ball bounced back and, on the next play, Danny Glassell went over on the right wing to complete his treble. Jackson missed the conversion but edged his side further ahead in the 72nd minute with a drop goal to make it 31-28. Hemel finished the stronger, though, and constant pressure results in M’baraga getting in at the corner, Butcher landing the difficult conversion. Lions’ short kick off did not go 10 metres and Butcher kicked his sixth goal to seal a narrow but breathless win. Consolation for the Lions was that the bonus point secures them third spot.

STAGS
1    B J Swindells
2    Oscar O’Mara
3    Eddie M’Baraga
4    Mitch Henderson
5    Christian Champion
6    Jason Price
7    Ryan Butcher
8    James Howitt
9    Martyn Smith
10    Illija Radan
11    Seb Ward
12    Tim Thompson-Essex
13    Max Edwards
    Subs (all used)
14    Tom Sadler
15    Jamie Goss
16    Tim Stevens
17    Guy Aldam

Tries: Edwards (10, 33, 65), B.J. Swindells (44), Ward (47), M’Baraga (77)
Goals: Butcher 6

LIONS
1    Ian Jackson
2    Sam Wilson
3    Danny Glassell
4    Craig Machen
5    Adam Hepworth
6    Rich Frankland
7    Danny Milton
8    Kyle Littlewood
9    Scott Glassell
10    John Smith
11    Lee Land
12    Ryan Mallinder
13    Gordie Long
    Subs (all used)
14    Anthony Yates
15    Jack Candlin
17    Ricky Williams

Tries: Smith (16), Machen (37), Jackson (39), D. Glassell (54, 60, 70),
Goals: Jackson 3
D/Goal: Jackson
Men of the Match:    STAGS – Mitch Henderson        LIONS – Craig Machen
Half time: 10-14
Referee: Liam Todd

HEMEL STAGS 36 v 10 DEWSBURY CELTIC

Pennine Way, Sunday 30th July

A highly competitive game played in sweltering conditions was settled by Hemel’s superior team-work.
Celtic had the first, early chance, a good ball to left wing seeing Ryan Ginnelly just bundled into touch.

Stags countered with a long pass by Ryan Butcher to Eddie M’Baraga who made the hard yards and released Alex Anthony to score...

Visit our Forums for the full Match Report

VALLEY COUGARS 26 HEMEL STAGS 37

Nelson RFC, 23rd july

Valley Cougars were undone late on in a thriller which saw their three match winning run ended by Hemel. Stags had the better of the opening exchanges and only a try-saving tackle from Liam Watton prevented them from going over inside four minutes. They made their pressure tell when Ryan Butcher took full advantage of an overlap to dummy and score near the posts – the scrum-half goaling his own try. The Cougars hit back when a Danyl Davies half-break put the hosts into a promising attacking position...

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HEMEL STAGS 36 NOTTINGHAM OUTLAWS 12

Pennine Way, Sunday 17th July

Another virtuoso performance from hat trick hooker, teenager Martyn Smith was the highlight of Hemel’s win over Nottingham.
The livewire rake was a menace throughout and covered a huge amount of ground and was well supported by Jason Price’s orchestrating of the backs and the strong running from forwards James Howitt, Jamie Goss and Illja Radan.
The victory leaves Hemel joint sixth in the table with Featherstone as the race for the play offs hot up...

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HEMEL STAGS 22 v 28 HUDDERSFIELD UNDERBANK RANGERS

Pennine Way, 9th July

The league leaders maintained their 100% record and with it pole position - but Rangers were given a mighty test by a Stags outfit that had won its previous three games.

Huddersfield - who in their defence were never behind - had player-coach Richard Knight to thank for their success.

The mercurial stand off had a hand - or more often, a boot - in each of the visitors five tries.

Visit our Forums for the full Match report

COVENTRY BEARS 28 HEMEL STAGS 30

Butts Arena, Saturday 2nd July

Hemel gained revenge for their opening day defeat by Coventry and moved to within two points of the Bears as the play off race hots up.
But it took a last minute try and sensational touchline conversion from Ryan Butcher as the final whistle went to secure the spoils in a dramatic clash.
The Bears started the brigher and scored through winger Aaron Higgins after three minutes.
From then on the Stags started to dominate with their forwards making good metres...

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HEMEL STAGS 60 BRAMLEY BUFFALOES 14

Pennine Way, Sunday 26th June

A virtuoso performance by Stags young hooker Martin Smith for the second successive week – which saw him bag a hat trick - enabled the Stags to register their biggest win of the campaign.

Both sides were desperate to turn around their fortunes, Hemel looking to end a three match losing run in the searing heat.
Smith served notice of intent in the seventh minute, Illia Radan getting the ball away for the supporting rake who jinked away from two tacklers to scamper over unopposed...

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FEATHERSTONE LIONS 36 HEMEL STAGS 12

Millpond, Saturday 18th June

Lions ran in 22 points in the second half of a very physical game with no quarter given by both sides to move up to fifth spot.

For the hosts, their man of the match Dean Gamble impressed and Kev Eadie and Mark Kear were in top form while for Hemel 18 year old hooker Martyn Smith, Alex Anthony and Jason Price were always in the thick of things... 

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HEMEL STAGS 6 KIPPAX KNIGHTS 16

Pennine Way, Sunday 12th June

The rain meant that this was always likely to be a close encounter and so it proved, Kippax hanging on for victory after leading 4-0 at the break.
Hemel, in their second consecutive home fixture, lost influential forward Dan Grevsmuhl to injury for possibly the season.

The Knights allowed the kick off to run dead and were forced to drop out but survived the scare and then elected to run a penalty in front of the home posts, but the attack was diffused.

Stags’ injury woes continued when prop James Howitt suffered a knee injury after seven minutes as the packs continued to struggle for ascendancy.
On 20 minutes, Barry John Swindells missed a shot at goal from a penalty and hard working Eddie M’Baraga was held up over the try line...

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DEWSBURY CELTIC 6 HEMEL STAGS 24

Crow Nest Park, Saturday 28th May 

An excellent second half display by Hemel saw them continue to build form after a shaky start to the season as, by contrast, Celtic slipped to a second successive defeat but remain third in the table.
The visitors struck first in the 12th minute, the props – as they have done all season – combining to devastating effect...

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NOTTINGHAM OUTLAWS 40 HEMEL STAGS 10

Harvey Haddon Stadium, Saturday 21st May

 
Outlaws claimed their first win of the campaign with a convincing dismantling of the Stags in their first league match back at the Harvey Haddon Stadium.
They scored their first try after just seven seconds and dominated the contest until the final whistle giving great satisfaction to their new coaching duo, paul Calland and Simon Morton.
Chris McNamara weighed in with a hat-trick while the talismanic Greg Moore added six conversions out of seven in front of an appreciative crowd...

Visit our Forums for the full Match Report 

COUGARS ARE BUTCHERED AS STAGS ROMP TO VICTORY

Hemel Stags 34 Valley Cougars 16

RYAN Butcher was on top form as Hemel Stags recorded convincing 34-16 win over Valley Cougars to get their season up-and-running.

Stags were without influential captain and playmaker Barrie John Swindells who was forced out through a leg injury, but the side made light work of his absence to record the victory.

Ultimately, though, it was poor discipline by visitors which cost them dear, with Hemel profiting from their opponents’ infringements through the boot of Butcher.

It was the Cougars who made the first break of the game, but Lewis Fox lost the ball in an embracing Hemel tackle and the home side launched an emphatic counter-attack to take the lead.

An offload in the tackle by hooker Gareth Swindells, followed by another from Eddie M’Baraga, enabled stand-in captain Illia Radan to force his way over the line, before Butcher added the extras.

The visitors were frustrated at going behind, and their increasing indiscipline then cost them further points as Butcher kicked two penalties in three minutes, following a high tackle and a ball steal, to put Stags 10-0 in front.

The Cougars, however, began to work their way into the game, and a 40/20 kick from Paul Emanuelli allowed Alan Pope to send in Tylon Maffi to narrow the deficit.

Hemel, though, came out with renewed vigour after the half-time interval and Dave Grevshual’s fine run and offload allowed Alex Kennedy to score unchallenged under the posts.

Butcher then added two further penalties – after the Cougars were penalised for interference and holding down – either side of a try from Cougars’ Lee Jenkin.

Hemel kicker Butcher was enjoying a superb game, and he added another two points from the half-way line with a kick into the swirling wind.

The Cougars continued to commit offences and Maffi’s indiscretion saw him banished to the sin bin, following which M’Baraga exploited the extra space to stroll over for another try.

With the win all but secured, Yusuf Lawal went over to increase the Hemel advantage, and despite Kyle Blackmore’s try for the visitors, the side held on comfortably for the victory.

HEMEL STAGS 16 COVENTRY BEARS 26 – Pennine Way, Sunday

(The entire match can be viewed on the Senior's Gallery page)

The battle of two potential championship aspirants went the way of 2011 RLCN new boys as the Bears won a compelling rather than classic contest.
Coventry came with a game plan to negate Hemel and did just that, with two team playing indentical to each other, Hemel needed to be able change their game but was unable to.

The first 30 minutes of the match proved to be a lack-lustre affair with neither side looking likely to score and when Coventry opted for a penalty in from of the posts on the half hour, it seemed to sum up the paucity of attacking options...

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FIRST WOMENS GAME ANNOUNCED

Hemel Stags' Womens Team will play their first ever game on Sunday 1st May 2011 against Coventry. (More information to come)

STAGS IMPRESS IN LONDON NINES
 
Hemel Stags continued their build up to the season when they competed in the London 9's last Saturday. The best rugby league teams from London and the South were involved with Hemel topping the table befor being knocked out in the semi final. Hemel started the competition with wins over Bedford Tigers, West London Sharks, London Skolars, South London Storm, Total Tag Rugby and eventual winners Hammersmith Hills Hoists with their only loss being against local rivals St Albans. After being top of the table after each team had played each other they then played the team that had finsihed fourth in the semi final and were narrowly beaten by Total Tag Rugby, ( an invitational team of Aussies and Kiwi's).
 
Stags Coach Troy Perkins commented " It was a good day out for all the lads, it was abit of fun although it also served a purpose and got some match needed fitness for everyone. The games were only 10 minutes long so our fitness wasn't tested as much as I would have liked but it was good to see all the players enjoy themselves in this form of the game. I thought our defence was pretty good throughout the tournament where we only conceded five tries in the first seven games and in rugby league nines that is a great achievement". I was also pleased with some of the tries we scored and some of the players that I  haven't seen much of put their name forward to be selected for the first RLCN game in two weeks time. Best players for us were Danial Grevsmuhl who worked hard in attack and defence, Ilija Radan led from the front and made plenty of metres up the  middle of the field and Gareth Swindells and George Stevens both did well sharing the hooking role. Highlight of the day was beating eventual winners Hammersmith especially as we played a man down for the second half of the game. The loss in the semi final was disappointing however in a ten minute game if you don't start well it is always hard to come back from a couple of tries down. It was good to have all the lads together as we build towards the Coventry Bears match on Sunday 1st May.

OPENING OF NEW FACILITIES

HEMEL STAGS  are pleased to announce that the opening of Stage 1 of their new facilities at Pennine Way will take place on Wednesday 23 March, 2011

The £400K Stage 1 development which incorporates a floodlit 3G training pitch, floodlit main pitch and perimeter security fencing is being launched with a floodlit match between the senior teams of Hemel Stags and St Albans Centurions.

The two sides will be competing for the Hertfordshire Cup.

Kick off is at 7.30pm with a full range of hospitality facilities available

STAG TO WARRIOR

CO-OPERATIVE RUGBY LEAGUE CONFERENCE NATIONAL, the elite division of the summer community game and the level below the Championship, will have three new sides in 2011.

HEMEL HEMPSTEAD RUGBY LEAGUE CLUB PRESENTED WITH CLUBMARK GOLD STATUS