Hemel Hempstead Camelot 39 UCS Old Boys 28
The Camelot first XV continued their winning ways at the weekend with a hard-fought victory over UCS Old Boys at Chaulden Lane.
The much-changed Hemel side started brightly, scoring a try almost straight from the kick off as Gary Jahn touched down.
However, the five-point advantage did not last long and some poor tackling allowed UCS to take the lead with a converted try of their own.
The young Hemel team were playing some attractive rugby, but it took a bit of individual power and strength from the experienced Ross Willoughby to put them back in front.
Carl Buckingham then opened his account on the opposite wing to extend Hemel’s lead to 15-7, before Richard Woodard went over to make it 20-7.
UCS hit back with a couple of penalties either side of half-time to cut the Camelot lead to seven points, but the hosts then introduced Darren Perry into the fray and he bulldozed his way over the line to give Hemel breathing space at 27-13.
The away side hit back with a try, but Hemel again responded in kind – taking the ball from one side of the pitch to the other which eventually saw Buckingham cross for his second try of the day.
Hemel looked to have put the game to bed when Connor Flannery added a try of his own and his third conversion of the day to make the score 39-18.
UCS added two late scores to cut the deficit to 11 points, but it was Hemel who recorded the win to maintain second spot in the league.
Next up for Camelot is a trip to bottom side Fullerians on Saturday.
The Camelot second team, meanwile – the Camelot Knights – maintained their unbeaten record so far this season, beating Welwyn 47-19 away.
The side have now won nine games on the trot and will look to continue their excellent form when they play Enfield Ignations at home this week.