In front of a sizeable crowd which included ex Saints player and now East Midlands RFU president Bob Taylor, Stags once again snatched defeat from the jaws of victory, to the frustration of coach, players and supporters.

In a reprise of the last away match, Stags conceded a soft try within five minutes, the blind side defence going AWOL to give the Daventry scrum half a stroll to the line.

Daventry then added a penalty before Stags woke up with a spell of enterprising and attacking rugby that made Daventry look like carthorses. Neil Welsh scored a fine try after sharp work by John McCreadie and Ben Strangeways, who converted and at just 8 – 7 down at half time with the advantage of a stiffish breeze to come, things looked promising.

A well struck Strangeways penalty, strong running by both centres and territorial domination for the first 15 minutes of the second period encouraged Stags fans to prepare celebrating a second victory of the season.

Inexplicably, Stags were then seized with a collective paralysis of mind and body. Daventry had a try from a line out catch and drive but at 13 – 10 with a quarter of an hour to go, there was ample time for Stags to get back on terms.

It was not to be. A retreating scrum allowed Daventry number 9 a 20 yard trot largely untroubled by any serious attempt at tackling. Though Stags were within inches of a try in the final minute it remained 20 -10 to the hosts.

Attendance at training is excellent, team spirit is good and there is a pleasing continuity in selection. Winning and losing can, though, become a habit and Stags need to re-acquaint themselves with the former. The next opportunity is this Saturday, at home to newly promoted Bugbrooke, kick off 3.00 p.m.

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