In a closely fought and well contested match at Hinchingbrooke, Stags went down, perhaps a little unluckily, 14-10.

Forest, third in the league last season, and considered by some to be a strong tip for promotion this year, were comfortably matched by Stags in all aspects of play, except the set scrum.

Stags, who scored two tries to one, could have won this game; occasional lapses of concentration and a lack of streetwise know-how when 10 – 3 ahead in the end cost them dear, but overall this was an encouraging and positive performance.

Early exchanges slightly favoured Forest who went ahead with a penalty.  Despite being reduced to 14 men Stags went ahead with a fine try, Simon Orange scoring in the corner following an incisive break by Dale Abblitt and link play by John Haldane.  5-3 at half time.

Though Forest had the bulk of possession, stags defended solidly, the back row being especially prominent in snuffing out Forests attacking moves.

After a spell of Forest pressure early in the second half Neil Welsh seized on a loose ball to kick downfield which Forest made a hash of clearing, leaving Simon Orange to pick up calmly for his second try.  10-3 to Stags who should now have slowed it down and played it tight.

Forest, though, were allowed back in with two further penalties and a try, scored when they had a man in the sin bin. 

Nonetheless, if Stags can maintain this level of commitment, the same strong, first up and destructive tackling and also improve fitness levels by a couple of notches, the season ahead should be enjoyable and successful

Damo's Man of the Match: Elliot Baldwin

The score did not reflect the balance of play, the Stags back play looking most promising, given the modest amount of ball they were allowed by an experienced and powerful Peterborough pack.

A motley selection of Staggerers and youngsters including three father/ son combinations enjoyed 40 minutes of veteran paced rugby in the hot sun against St Neots.

TT brought a novel approach to sartorial elegance in the referee's foot wear department... black brogues no less!! In spite of this,

Bazza as usual was pinged several times and achieved his ritual blooding. Stags tries were scored by Tippo senior, Whitsey and Golightly junior. and all converted by Tippo junior.

The magical moment which earnt the Firby was when Bazza's brother in law Chris mistakenly launched himself at the 5m line in fit of try hungry gluttony. Whoops

Finally, Bazza would like to thank everyone who helped organise and played in the match and started a memorable weekend for him from which he should soon recover.