Despite scoring the only try of the match and dominating for long periods, Stags somehow contrived to lose this match through a combination of poor decision making, unforced errors, unproductive lines of running, indifferent support play and foolish penalties conceded.

Stags put on all the early pressure but were pegged back by a succession of penalties (six in all) the third and sixth of which were converted to give ‘Boro a wholly undeserved 6 – 0 lead.

Stags were doing particularly well in driving mauls and would have been better advised to concentrate on this aspect of play, as little penetration was evident behind the scrum.

Devon Brown was nearly over for a try until eventually a kickable penalty was secured, Matt Durrant converting. On the stroke of half time Stags handed ‘Boro an opportunity for a dropped goal. Stags 9 – 3 down at the break.

Two further ‘Boro penalties made it 15 – 3 until the penny finally dropped and Robbie Attewell went over after a forward drive. A second penalty by Matt Durrant left Stags just four points behind with some 15 minutes left but there was no more scoring. The afternoons weather was perfect; the rugby did not match it.

Some statistics are revealing; all three league games so far have been won or lost by a 4 point margin. Stags have scored five tries and conceded two. Of the 45 points against, 35 have been from opposition kicks, 30 of which were penalties.

Damo's Man of the Match: Robbie Attewell

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