Perkins praises Stags after ‘one of the best performances of the season’

Hemel bagged seven tries in a terrific all round display of attacking rugby league against their nearest rivals for the final play off spot, and coach Troy Perkins was especially pleased his side had responded so well to the pressure of the occasion.

“I thought it was one of our best performances of the season,” said Perkins. “We knew that our season was on the line and all the players responded in the right way.

“The game had a real playoff feel to it and the All Golds had come to play and started the better, but we managed to stay in the arm wrestle and then got the upper hand and led 18-6 at half-time.

“The start of the second half was very pleasing where we scored some quality tries, and in a 15 minute period after half-time we scored four tries and the win was secured.

“I was disappointed conceding three late tries but with the game wrapped up the lads switched off which can happen sometimes.”

Perkins was keen to point out every player had made a significant contribution to the victory, whilst reserving special praise for the on-loan Steve Bannister and mercurial playmaker, Jy-mel Coleman.

“Every player played their part but I thought Stephen Bannister was great for us with the way he carried the ball and adjusted to standoff following the injury to Jermaine (Coleman).

“Jy-mel (Coleman) was excellent and created some tries as well as scoring one himself and all our forwards played their part where they really dominated the middle.”

Hemel now need only a bonus point from their final game of the regular season away to Oxford on Saturday to ensure play off qualification, barring an absolute landslide All Golds victory at Oldham.

That would set up a first round play ff clash away at Gateshead Thunder over the weekend of September 13/14.

“We now need to focus on playing well against Oxford who will be looking at ending their season on a high”, concluded Perkins.