photo by Ian Lovell

Hemel Stags gave Crusaders Colts a scare at the Brewery Field on Saturday as they led their hosts for a lot of the first half. But the Welsh side dominated proceedings from the off in the second period and eventually ran out 52-14 winners to return to the top of the Conference National table.

After four months on the sidelines with a broken leg, Terry Martin made his comeback for the Crusaders today, coming off the bench in this match.

However Crusaders first team coach John Dixon urges the fans to be patient as it could be a while before they see him in the first team.

“Terry’s a wonderful player and he’s trying really hard,” he said. “But unfortunately he’s a distance from being ready to play first team just yet.”

Hemel took the lead in the first minute after Marcus Rose went over following a fine passing move on only the third tackle. Mark Coulson converted.

Mark Wool set up Phil Cushion to go over a try back for the Colts on seven minutes but Lee Williams somehow missed an easy conversion attempt taken almost in front of the sticks.

Hemel extended their lead on 15 minutes when Dave Afreh was give too much space in right centre to score.

Colts struck back straight away when Wool forced his way over but Hemel restored the balance from kick-off when Stuart McIntyre pounced on a drop ball to score in corner.

But the home side scored from kick-off themselves when Lee Williams was put through and scored under the sticks. Emmanuelli converted to level the scores.

Hemel were denied a fourth try minutes before the interval when Ashley Fyson was pulled into touch when diving for the line. Kane Phillips was also close, just failing to reach a Blake Kirby grubber.

But it was the Crusaders who went into half-time in the lead after an interception allowed Gary Williams to run 80 metres to score. Emmanuelli converted.

They extended their lead five minutes after the interval after Elliot Kear set up Greg Callow to go over in the corner.

Crusaders Colts weren’t going to let this game slip away from them again as they doubled their first half advantage before the hour mark.

Lee Williams weaved his way through and stretched over the line for his second with Emmanuelli converting to give the Colts a 30-14 lead.

Elliot Kear scored in the corner less than five minutes later and Gary Williams followed him over with Emmanuelli converting.

Cushion scored his second of the game on 64 minutes while Callow was put through for his brace straight from kick-off. Emmanuelli kicking the extras for both.

CRUSADERS COLTS
1. Elliot Kear
2. Greg Callow
3. Gary Williams
4. Lee Williams
5. Ashley Griffiths
6. Paul Emmanuelli
7. Steve Williams
8. Geraint Davies
9. Ryan James
10. Phil Cushion
11. Neil Davies
12. Mark Wool
13. Chris Vitalini
Subs:
14. Gil Dudson
15. Philippe Gardent
16.  Terry Martin
17.  Josh Hannam

Tries: Cushion (7, 64), Wool (18), L.Williams (25, 53), G.Williams (40, 59), Callow (45, 66), Kear (56)
Goals: L.Williams 0/1, Emmanuelli 6/9

HEMEL STAGS
1.      Mark Coulson
15. Ashley Flynn
3. Dan O’Brien
4. Dave Afreh
5. Stuart McIntyre
6. Kane Phillips
7. Blake Kirby
14. Marcus Rose
9. Andy Curtain
10. Shaun Wall
21. Tony McAllister
12. Luke Antos
13. Cameron Mann
Subs:
20. Joe Cox
18. Jack Moon
16. Troy Perkins
24. Dapo Adewole

Tries: Rose (1), Afreh (15), McIntyre (21)
Goals: Coulson 1/3
Referee: Ian Curzon

article by Ian Golden
19 July 2008