Round 16 Hemel Stags vs Gateshead Storm
Hemel Stags 50 Gateshead Storm 0
In the scramble for the top six, Hemel forced their way into a play off spot with two rounds of the regular season to go as Storm hit free fall, suffering their fifth successive defeat to drop below the cut off for the first time.
Although the score line would not indicate it, Gateshead contributed massively in a thoroughly entertaining match that defied the wet conditions.
Half back Rob Jones was inspirational for them but the visitors, who deserved more for their tireless efforts, were unfortunate that they found the Stags in arguably their best form of the year.
Kane Phillips and Cameron Mann put in a mountain of work and Hemel coach Troy Perkins singled out the performances of 16 year olds George Stevens and Jamie Acton, whose defence contribution was immense.
After an evenly contested opening ten minutes, a ball steal on Jones by Cameron Mann set up the first try, Mann grubbering through on the final tackle to win the chase by the posts, Barry John Swindells converting.
Stags were surprisingly denied a 40/20 at the end of the next set but following a penalty from a scrum, Tony McAllister’s superb off load sent in prop Ben Kay to double the lead.
Storm lost full back Liam Andrews to injury and a minute later were further under the cosh when Stuart McIntyre intercepted from 40 metres out to make it 16-0 in 19 minutes.
Gateshead had the best of the next passage of play but were unable to post points, the concession of a penalty for a ball steal seeing Hemel’s Marcus Rose power over on the half hour to effectively end the visitors’ resistance.
Four minutes later, Barry John Swindells sent in Phillips to establish a 28-0 lead at the break and two minutes after it he was on the end of some fine expansive passing that defied the conditions to cross from ten metres.
A similar move saw Barry John Swindells repeat the dose in the corner, the prolific centre finishing with a personal haul of 18 points in a fine display.
Defences dominated, with Jones’ kick just running dead ahead of the chasers to end Gateshead’s best chance to open their account and an interception halted by the resolute Hemel cover. Hemel’s Ashley Fyson who has this season made the right wing slot he’s own was determined in defence when he went one on one with the big Gateshead prop to deny Gateshead another scoring chance.
With ten minutes to go, hooker Gareth Swindells barrelled his way over from close in amid protests that he may have dropped the ball in the act of scoring to sum up Storm’s ill-luck.
Again the visitors went on the attack to gain some reward for their efforts but were caught on the counter by McAllister in the final minute that brought up the half century. Hemel today showed what great type of rugby they are capable of playing.
Tries: Mann (10), Kay (15), McIntyre (19), Rose (30), Phillips (34), B.J Swindells (42, 50), G.Swindells (70), McAllister (79)
Goals:B.J Swindells 5, Kirby 2
Hemel Man of the Match: Kane Phillips
Hemels Payers Player Award: Blake Kirby
Half time: 28-0
Referee: Steve Davis