Stags played their full part in an enjoyable and well contested match, the final score perhaps not properly reflecting their spirited endeavour.

Stags were under pressure at once and quickly went 10-0 down. The signs were not good but Stags pulled themselves together and provided a good spell of attacking rugby resulting in a try by Neil Welsh converted by Ben Strangeways.

As in the previous week, a defining moment came on the stroke of half time. Naive defending let in Buzzard for their second converted try of the half. Having been within a score, Stags therefore went into the break down by 17-7.

Buzzard are a well organised and capable side and shaded the second half with a try and a penalty. In truth, Stags never seriously threatened Buzzard, being unable to exert any sustained pressure and it was they who needed, and provided, last ditch defending, even when Elliot Baldwin, who otherwise had an outstanding game, had to spend 10 minutes in the sin bin.

Stags should be comfortable playing at this level and for a large part of the four league matches played so far this season that has been the case.

Some wins are now required, however, and an opportunity for that arrives this Saturday, away at Daventry. There have been enough encouraging elements in their play to suggest that is achievable.

Damo's Man of the Match: Ben Strangeways