In what is likely to be a tightly contested league, every win is valuable and though Stags were pleased with two points, this was an unconvincing performance in a poor game.

The referee did not help. Despite this not being a dirty or even particularly physical match, five yellow cards were shown. Both sides, though, were guilty of episodes of technical indiscipline, Casuals being the worst offenders.

Stags got off to a bad start, conceding an early converted try and barely getting their hands on the ball for 15 minutes. In virtually their first attack Stags drew level through Elliot Baldwins try from a pass by Matt Durrant who converted and then kicked a penalty after good work by Ben Crean.

In a little flurry of scoring towards the end of the half Casuals kicked two penalties sandwiched by a Doug Bentley try. 15-13 to Stags at half time.

The second half was disjointed and scrappy. Stags scored a third try through debutant Quentin Minnaar and should have had another when a lack of composure whilst camped on the Casuals line allowed the home side to escape. On the plus side, determined defence especially in a tense final ten minutes kept Casuals to just one penalty in the second period.

Similar commitment combined, one hopes, with more ball winning capability and 80 minute consistency will be needed when Wellingborough visit Hinchingbrooke this Saturday, kick-off 3.00 p.m.

Damo's Man of the Match: Devon Brown