WEST HULL vs HEMEL STAGS
October 11th 2009
Yet another long coach trip for the Hemel squad to undertake in order to compete in this very high
standard National competition.
Hemel were unfortunately only able to provide the bare minimum full side of 13 players, which led to
some severe difficulties during the match.
(a) Being unable to rest key players during the match as the opposition quite correctly did.
(h) Leaving the team unable to cope with any injuries (Stags were a player shortfor around 15
minutes, during which West Hull scored 4 tries).
Match Statistics:
Half time score. West Hull 22 : 16 Hemel Stags.
Full time score. West Hull 50 : 16 Hemel Stags.
The match started with both teams applying pressure at either end, but Hemel took an early advantage
from a breakaway try in the 8th minute by Miles McLeod. West Hull were more consistent in their ball handling skills and used a number
of very large/ strong players to very good effect (Gaining good ground with each play).
Hemel fought back to take the lead for a second time at 8 points to 10 after 21 minutes with another try from Miles and a second conversion from Kieran Dixon.
West Hull finished the second half of the first half much stronger, scoring three tries to our one try, scored again by Miles.
West Hull dominated the second half, running in five unanswered tries.
In the end Hemel were well beaten by a better side, but the final score somewhat flattered the victors
and does not reflect a lot of the good work that the Stags produced.
Stags should take heart from this performance from their young, inexperienced and developing side.
They showed good strength in defence, despite being faced with much larger opponents and they were
mainly exposed when they were forced to play with a man short. The Stags are starting to bond as an
outfit, but they would undoubtedly benefit from the addition of just few extra players, so come along to
Hemel Stags at Pennine Way if you are aged from 11 upwards.
Half time: 22 - 16
Hemel Man of the Match: Kieran Dixon