Round 18 Buccaneers vs Hemel Stags
Liverpool Buccaneers 44 Hemel Stags 20
The Buccaneers won the sudden death encounter with the Stags to joyously qualify for the top six in their first season at this level, thanks to a second half performance.
With defences on top, a dour first half, littered with errors, was only brightened up when the Stags took a 4-0 lead midway through the opening period when winger Dave Afreh backed up a dazzling break by stand off Kane Phillips and squeezed in at the corner.
B J Swindells was dismissed after a concerted effort by the Buccs.
Steve Brown, making his comeback for the Buccs, levelled the scores just before the break when his power and pace was too much for the visitors, and Mark Forber’s first of eight goals gave the hosts a 6-4 interval lead. As tempers flared. B J Swindells was floored with a cheap shot from behind, after the ref had blown for an infringement that resulted with a Liverpool player receiving a red card and to the astonishment of most a red card also to Swindells. Swindells receiving a 3 inch gash inside he’s mouth.
With their respective seasons on the line, Liverpool took the initiative, experienced back rowers Mark Webster, Luke Murfin and Jon Chamberlain leading the way with Mark Forber orchestrating the midfield.
It was a Mark Forber kick close to the line that allowed Mike Forber to pounce on the loose ball for the Buccs opening score of the second period and the young hooker was in again just minutes later, diving over from acting half close to the line.
The Stags were hampered further when influential Cameron Mann was forced to leave the field with knee trouble. As the Buccaneers gained the upper hand with their take no prisoners attitude they bullied Hemel off the park, wingers Ben Toleman and Paul Scott broke downfield and Sean Forber was on hand to cross by the uprights.
Strong running from Joel Parker and Alex Williams set up a score for Darren Forshaw even though the referee called time off to give Liverpool No 8 a yellow card for an attempted head butt on the Hemel's defender Ben Kay, The passage of play was that Liverpool was attacking and Ben Kay made the tackle when the Liverpool player regained he's feet the tried to headbutt Ben Kay who managed to move out of the way and took the impact on he's arm, but which took him out the game,
the touch judge came on and the ref played on till Liverpool scored, he then signalled time off and consulted he's touch judge, he then gave the Liverpool player a yellow card and then went behind the try line to give the try. Hemel staged a late revival and tries from 16 year old Connor Boyd Barnes who was subject to special attention from the ailing and old Liverpool forwards, after barging out Liverpool prop (who has seen better days on the doors, mothercare is busy nowadays)) Oli O'Mara and hard working prop Ben Kay reduced the arrears to 32–20, but a fine 50 metre break from man of the match Murfin settled Liverpool’s nerves.
They saved their best until last, Jon Chamberlain breaking from inside his own half and sending his brother and head coach Christopher clear on halfway, the burly prop sprinting clear to register his first try of the campaign.
Tries:
Goals:
Hemel Man of the Match:
Hemels Payers Player Award: