Round 6 Hemel Stags vs Featherstone Lions:
HEMEL STAGS 18 FEATHERSTONE LIONS 22
Defending champions Featherstone Lions picked up their first win of the season at the fifth attempt, thanks in the main to the outstanding efforts of second rower John Smith, who claimed all their four tries.
Hemel, with former St George full back Meli Allen on debut, had an equal share of the play in an end to end encounter but their finishing let them down at crucial times as they struggled to complete their sets.
Smith claimed his first touchdown with a surging run in the third minute, Barry John Swindells replying with a penalty.
The next twenty minutes did not yield a point as both sides sparred for an advantage but the closing minutes of the half belonged to Smith as he crossed twice in seven minutes, his rangy running creating havoc in the home ranks.
Danny Giles converted both efforts to make it 16-2 to the visitors at the break but the Stags started the second half in sensational fashion, scoring three tries in a blistering quarter hour spell which saw them take a two point lead.
The prolific Barry John Swindells was first to cross, backing up a midfield break and then scores on consecutive sets looked to have swung the momentum.
Caine Wynyard powered his way over and was then part of the move of the game as, in combination with Allen, he sent in Blake Kirby.
Before Hemel could fully enjoy being in front for the first time, Smith stormed onto a pass for his fourth touchdown, Giles again adding the extras with around 20 minutes still to go.
Playing basic rugby, and on the back of two prodigious 40/20’s to retain territorial supremacy, Lions hung on for a morale-boosting win and move above the Stags into seventh, as a result.
Tries: BJ Swindells (43), Wynyard (55), Kirby (57)
Goals: BJ Swindells 3
Hemel Man of the Match: Oliver O’Mara
Hemels Payers Player Award: Caine Wynyard