Hemel Hempstead Stags 22 Warrington Wizards 10.

WARRINGTON Wizards suffered a 22-10 defeat at Hemel Hempstead Stags in a Northern Rail Cup game played in monsoon conditions on Sunday.

Both sides produced a superb spectacle considering the elements but it was the home side who took their chances.

Assistant coach Karl Taylor said: "It was a game that we could and should have won but we failed to capitalise when we had the opportunities to do so.

"The conditions were appalling but it was the same for both sides and if you don't take your chances you get punished.

"We now have a week off and it will give us time to regroup and get ready for our next NRC game at Dewsbury Celtic.

"We have a great bunch of lads and the squad is increasing, which is vital if we are to have a successful season."

Hemel went ahead with two penalty goals but, while second rower Jarad Riki was in the sin bin, Wizards full back Chris Campbell broke clear from his own 20m line to score.

Three Stags tries in the closing minutes of the first half and opening chapter of the second period left Wizards with a mountain to climb but Smythe burrowed over from close range.

A loose Wizards pass in their own in-goal area was gleefully snapped up by Hemel for the concluding try.

Wizards: Chris Campbell; Mike Grady, Danny Shaw, Harry Archer, David Yii; Alan Kilshaw, Mark Robinson; Simon McEvoy, Steven Smythe, Luke Worsley, Scott Davidson, Andy Addison, Liam McCarthy. Subs: Chris Jaffrey, Mike Quinn, James Mather, John Molphy.