A hat-trick by Sam Allen was not enough for St Albans Centurions as they fell to a 44-22 derby defeat at Hemel Stags.

Herts Advertiser: St Albans Centurions' Alex Curtis, one of several 17-year-olds in the Cents line-up, chases down a Hemel Stags dropped ball. Picture: DARRYL BROWNSt Albans Centurions' Alex Curtis, one of several 17-year-olds in the Cents line-up, chases down a Hemel Stags dropped ball. Picture: DARRYL BROWN (Image: Archant)

They were on top for the opening 10 minutes but couldn’t find a way over the line.

Herts Advertiser: New St Albans Centurions signing Jake Pennington-Slater fends off a Hemel tackle. Picture: DARRYL BROWNNew St Albans Centurions signing Jake Pennington-Slater fends off a Hemel tackle. Picture: DARRYL BROWN (Image: Archant)

And they were made to pay as Hemel ran in four tries, three of them converted, in a sparkling 10-minute spell.

Herts Advertiser: Kieran O'Shea runs with the ball for St Albans Centurions. Picture: DARRYL BROWNKieran O'Shea runs with the ball for St Albans Centurions. Picture: DARRYL BROWN (Image: Archant)

Allen got his first just before the break with a side-step, converting it as well, and he danced through early in the second period, converting that one too, to narrow the gap further.

And when a long pass put Joe Shaw in straight after, the gap was down to 10.

But the threat of a comeback woke Hemel up and five tries in 17 minutes finished the game as a contest.

There was still time though for Allen to score and convert his third.

The quest for a first victory of the East Rugby League season takes St Albans to Brentwood Eels on Saturday.