Hemel Stags Vs Leeds Stanningley

 

A welcome home match for Stags after a tough start to this highly competitive league and the potential to build upon a growing sense of self belief that the team started to be displayed over the last two matches.
Preparation for the match was very encouraging with a full squad of 17 players being available (including 4 fit substitutes for use during the match). Training and warm-up for the match indicated a squad that was fully ready for the encounter.
Match squad:
No. 2 Stephen Marshall
No. 5 Kieron Dixon
No. 6 Clark Squires
No. 8 Mustafa Ali
No. 9 Will Lovell
No. 10 Courtney Watson
No. 11 Matt Meek
No.12 George Stevens
No. 13 Cameron Furlong
No. 14 Stephen James
No. 15 Jack Kavanagh
No. 16 George Gower
No. 17 Miles McLeod
No. 21 Callum Hurley
No. 28 Erik Grimley
Match Statistics:
Despite the good preparation and grounding for this match, the result was a very poor overall performance by the home team, with many basic handling and skill errors being displayed throughout the match.
Leeds were a very well drilled unit who demonstrated consistent ball control and applied constant pressure, in either defence or attack.
The critical points displayed by Leeds were:
• The discipline of the squad movement (Moving up as a line).
• The first ball receiver taking the ball at pace.
• The first ball carrier, making 10m before passing the ball.
• Virtually no basic errors.

Conversely, Hemel Stags: saw little actual ball possession throughout the match and failed to exploit what little they little they did enjoy!
Stags did score three tries, but only through what can be described as “non standard” plays:
1. Kieron Dixon making an opportunistic move from behind a scrum.
2. Kieron Dixon breaking away from the halfway line, showing blistering pace.
3. Stephen Marshall gathered a well weighted cross kick and ran in to score (His first try for the U18’s).

In conclusion:
Leeds were the worthy winners, but it should be noted that Leeds players were mostly 17 years olds and The Stags players mostly 16 year olds (All in full accordance with Rugby League rules for this combined age group competition). Stags demonstrated that they do have the basic ability, but this was a disappointing display.


Half time: 0- 32
Ref: John Cadogan
Tries: 15
Goals: 9
Hemel Man of the Match: Kieran Dixon