South Wales Scorpions 16-24 Hemel Stags: Pre-Season Friendly

After a promising start, South Wales Scorpions ultimately slipped to a 24-16 pre-season friendly defeat against Hemel Stags at Caerphilly Centre of Sporting Excellence, Ystrad Mynach.

Amid difficult weather conditions, the clash was moved to a 4G pitch at Ystrad; delaying the Scorpions’ hotly-anticipated return – among the club’s loyal faithful at least – to Virginia Park.

The venue change ensured the Scorpions had a warm-up game prior to next week's season opener, following the All Golds friendly being postponed due to a waterlogged pitch. 

Kristian Hawkes and Dai Evans ran over early tries for the hosts, who picked up an early ten-point advantage.

However, Stags fought back - with Chad Isles grabbing a try under the sticks, and Scott Ellis also charging over to score, as the fellow Champion One club grabbed a 12-10 half-time advantage.

Having wrestled the initiative away from the Scorpions, Michael Stewart extended Hemel's lead before the hour-mark; as the travelling side started to dominate proceedings.

Luke Paterson grabbed Stags' fourth try of the game, but Kyle Scrivens' late converted try ensured the scoreline was close.

The competitive action follows this single friendly - with a trip to London Skolars in the League Cup next up for Caerphilly's new arrivals.

Full Time – South Wales Scorpions 16-24 Hemel Stags