Celtic lose top four spot

Dewsbury Celtic 10

CELTIC’S hit-and-miss season continued as they slipped out of the top four in the Co-operative Conference National with this defeat.

Celtic had some good moments on attack but poor finishing proved costly and the home side took full advantage.

The Dewsbury side started well and Ryan Ginnelly was just taken into touch near the corner. A long pass opened their defence and Hemel centre Alex Anthony went over.

Celtic were given a chance from a penalty but dropped the ball and home full-back Barry John Swindells made good ground and a quick play-the-ball and sharp pass saw Anthony collect his second try, goaled by Ryan Butcher.

The visitors kept working and gained reward when they moved the ball across the line and this time Ginnelly went in at the corner for an unconverted try.

Strong-running Alex Walmsley made a tremendous break but Niki Crabtree dropped the ball with a try on the cards and Hemel moved back upfield.

A penalty took them close and prop Ilija Radan forced his way over with Butcher’s goal making it 16-4 at half-time.

Celtic resumed in good style and Crabtree was alert to a chip over and won the race to the ball to score with Josh West adding the goal.

Another penalty gave Hemel another good footing and Swindells crashed through the defence to score at the corner with Butcher landing a fine conversion.

The Stags sealed matters with tries by Martin Smith and Eddie M’Baraga with Butcher adding a goal.

Celtic battled on and Tom Norris made ground and passed inside to the supporting Elliott Smith, but he dropped the ball.

Hemel rounded things off with a late score when Anthony sent Conor Boyd-Barnes over.

Tomorrow (Saturday) Celtic face a tough test as they host Kippax Knights (2.30pm).

Celtic now stand fifth, a point and one place behind Hemel and five points adrift of second-placed Kippax.