Kingstone Press Championship One Preview: Oxford v Hemel Stags

Oxford coach Tony Benson is seeking an eighth win of the season to finish 2014 on a high note.

Benson’s men have secured seven wins from their 19 league fixtures this year, but have been let down by claiming a bonus point in only one of their 12 defeats.

They are aiming to back up last week’s victory over South Wales Scorpions with another success on Saturday, but visitors Hemel Stags are fighting for a play-off spot.

Stags coach Troy Perkins said: “We know if we win we’re in the play-offs, but Oxford will want to finish their season on a high. The challenge is for us to build on last week’s performance.

“We’ll focus on our defence, and try to limit their attack.”

Hemel emerged 44-24 winners in a crunch clash with Gloucestershire All Golds last week.

And Perkins believes that display proved that Hemel can make an impact in the play-offs – if they qualify.

Perkins said: “It was good that in a must-win game, all the boys responded accordingly and we played some of the best stuff we have done all year.”

Hemel’s Jermaine Coleman is ruled out after suffering a hamstring strain against Gloucestershire All Golds last week