St Albans Centurions kicked off the summer rugby league season in style by winning the East Rugby League 9-A-Side Tournament at Hemel Hempstead.

The annual 9 A-Side-Competition is played every year, as the ‘kick-off’ to the East Rugby League season, and all the teams from the East Rugby League Premier and first division are invited to attend.

The Cents dominated the competition and were unbeaten in their qualifying group. Hemel Stags, Brentwood Eels and Milton Keynes Wolves were all beaten and there were two draws with North Herts and Luton Vipers.

In the final St Albans faced Herts Crusaders and after an 8-8 draw at full-time, the game went to ‘golden point’ extra time where the first point would decided the winner.

And Sam Allen made sure the trophy would go back to St Albans when he scored the all-important try under the posts.

n It’s all change at St Albans Centurions ahead of the new season.

Brian Parker has stepped down as chairman, with his place being taken up by Andy Lake.

And Cents will have a new head coach and coaching staff with Michael Hollister taking on the coaching duties and Roy Dube, Joe Shaw and Simba Mupamhanga appointed as his deputies.

Parker said: “Our new chairman Andy Lake started off as one of our players, then our club captain, and then our head coach and now it is fitting that he is the Chairman.

“Mike has been a loyal club man and player for many years and the committee were unanimous in offering him the post as coach.

“We know Mike will settle in quickly and with the three senior players assisting at training, we are looking forwards to a successful season.”

Centurions start their season proper on Saturday at home to St Ives Roosters.