Round 14 Hemel Stags vs Dewsbury Celtic


Hemel Stags 48 Dewsbury Celtic 16

A big first half performance saw Hemel continue to make a push for a play off place and reverse their earlier defeat at Celtic.
In hot conditions, Dewsbury’s bigger forwards were caught out by quicker Hemel players although there was a terrific battle among the props, Stags’ Ian Grimes getting through a mountain of work and Mark Chandles doing likewise for the visitors.
There was also another impressive display off the bench for Hemel from teenager George Stevens, who had played in a junior match that morning.
Celtic opened brightly, hard working hooker Dom Byrne scooting over after the Stags had been caught offside.
Dewsbury were penalised for holding down and Marcus Rose made them pay when he went in unopposed.
Afreh put a foot in touch when clear in the tenth minute, but made no mistake soon after, sprinting 50 metres for a fine score, Ben Kay going over from the next set.
Gareth Swindells had a try disallowed following a knock on by his brother Barry John but Stags increased their lead when Kane Phillips picked off a Dewsbury pass to go over between the posts.
He crossed again soon after and excellent Tony McAllister sent in Grimes five minutes before the break.
A minute into the second period, Dewsbury were caught offside, Barry John Swindells taking a quick tap and making 30 metres before handing on to Andy Curtain.
Afreh was sent off following an altercation in a tackle and as the game became feisty Dewsbury tried to use strong-arm tactics but the referee did well to keep matters under control.
Barry John Swindells kicked a penalty in the 55th minute to calm matters down. Then Dewsbury enjoyed a spell of possession, although they failed to hang on to the ball.
In the 70th minute, Hemel put in a sterling effort in defence to frustrate Dewsbury.Chandles gained his reward with a strong run out wide, Barry John Swindells then making another raking break to put Rose over for his second.
In the final minute, Dewsbury were awarded a penalty for offside and never-say-die Byrne crashed over from close in.

Tries: Rose (7, 75), Afreh (14), Kay (17), Phillips (24, 27), Grimes (35), Curtain (41)
Goals: BJ. Swindells 7, Kirby
Sent off: Afreh (44 – foul play)
Hemel Man of the Match: Ian Grimes
Hemels Payers Player Award: Tony McAllister
Half time: 34-6
Referee: J. Butler