UNDERBANK Rangers underlined their play-off credentials in the RL Conference National as they produced a storming second half display to beat top-five rivals Hemel Stags 28-18 at the Cross.
The win saw Rangers close the gap on their third-placed rivals to two points, though the Stags grabbing a late bonus point may prove costly for Underbank.
Underbank had top try scorer Adam Ryder back in their ranks, along with Leon Alexis-Bailey and prop Dave Valentine, while Hemel were at full strength and looking to extend their impressive run of just one defeat in eight outings.
And it was the Stags who made the early running but met a stern home defence led by tackling machine Valentine, Tom Antony, Victor Smith and man-of-the-match Craig Williams.
Hemel also put in some huge hits through prop Joey Crompton-Meyer and back rower Saimon Lomaloma.
Several times last ditch tackling held out the visitors as back rower Aaron Hall and prop James Howitt were both held up over the line, and the impressive Jamie Acton was hauled down inches short as Hemel pounded the home line.
Underbank had their chances too and a swift break started by Lee St Hilaire and carried on by Alex Chatterton saw winger Ryder make a touchline dash for the line only to be superbly tackled by the Stags’ full back Barrie-Jon Swindells.
However, it was Hemel who opened the scoring with Swindells crashing over and he added the goal – the first of three successful attempts.
Winger Richard Aka twice went close as Rangers fought back, and on 35 minutes they levelled as Adam Carroll handed on to Craig Williams and he raced 30 metres and off-loaded to the supporting Antony who brushed off three tacklers to score.
Nathan Williams added the goal, but Rangers slipped up with half-time approaching as first Valentine and Nathan Williams spilled the ball and Hemel pounced on the mistakes as Acton got over and Swindells added the goal.
Rangers took full advantage of the slope and wind in their favour in the second half as they simply kicked Hemel out of the game as they punted the ball downfield early in their sets and then contained the Stags in their own territory.
From one such kick Hemel turned over possession and quick Underbank hands sent the ball to Ryder who raced over for his 12th try of an impressive debut campaign.
Nathan Williams levelled the scores with a penalty kick conceded by Hemel for holding down, and in the following attack Aka broke from deep and was only denied a score by another try-saving tackle from Swindells.
However, Aka was next on the score sheet with a walk-in try after good approach work from the two Nathans, Williams and Chappell.
Rangers were in front for the first time and highly impressive loose forward St Hilaire was next to score.
On the last tackle he picked up the ball at acting half back and carved his way through at least six defenders from 20 metres for a fantastic try.
Hemel didn’t throw in the towel with Acton and BJ Swindells both close to scoring, but Ryder sealed his brace and the game for Rangers.
However, there was still time for the Stags to aim for a bonus point, which they gained after a short period of pressure on the home line and prop Howitt powered over for a score which could prove extremely important in the final league table standings come the shake up for the play-offs.
Underbank Rangers: N Williams; Ryder, Chatterton, Chappell, Aka; Barrett, Antony; Valentine, Carroll, Smith, Housley, C Williams, St Hilaire. Interchange (all used): Berry, Vinaka, Sharrock, Alexis-Bailey.
