Round 1 Hemel Stags vs Huddersfield Underbank Rangers:

HEMEL STAGS 38 HUDDERSFIELD UNDERBANK RANGERS 26
Location: Pennine way

Hemel started the season with a win, a late burst seeing them emerge victorious after scoring seven tries to four.
In a terrific contest, both sides defied the elements to produce a stirring clash as wintery showers swirled around them, the lead changing hands seven times.Stags got off to a terrific start with two tries in as many minutes, winger Stuart McIntyre finding space on the overlap to cross and hard working hooker Gareth Swindells stretching over after good approach from Ben Kay and strong running James Ellershaw.
Skipper Barry John Swindells, who set a fine lead throughout, converted both but in a blistering five minute spell up to the half hour, Rangers hit back with touchdowns from Chris Beal and Brook York, combined with three John Birt goals, to take the lead.Mark Coulson’s four-pointer, his first for the club and fashioned on the back of a terrific five man handling move, edged the hosts back in front but in a see-saw half, Huddersfield went into the break ahead, Tom Senior stealing in for a try with a minute left which Birt converted.Blake Kirby levelled five minutes into the second half after chasing a clever kick through by new signing Kane Phillips. York with his second again edged the visitors back in front. Ellershaw’s runs were creating havoc and he crashed over in the 55th minute, Barry Jon Swindells’ goal making it 28-26.
Kay’s crunching tackle on the hour saw the Stags regain possession and with Ellershaw driving the ball down the left, Hemel quickly got the ball out to the right and Ben Kay the prop profited when he barged over for a vital score on 65 minutes.
Victory was sealed in the 68th minute when home centre Oliver O’Mara crossed, Swindells landing his fifth conversion to make light of the conditions.

Tries: McIntyre (9), G. Swindells (11), Coulson (35), Kirby (45), Ellershaw (55), Kay (65), O’Mara (68)
Goals: B.J. Swindells 5
Hemel Man of the Match: Ben Kay
Hemels Payers Player Award: James Ellershaw