Despite the score this was in some ways a commendable performance by Stags-though virtually all the effort had to be in defence.

The big Banbury forwards were more suited, and adapted better, to the heavy muddy conditions with the result that Stags were starved of ball throughout. Having to back pedal takes its toll and Stags conceded three second half tries.

In fact Stags scored first, a Matt Durrant penalty, and looked comfortable in defence, Banbury needing a slice of luck for their first try. A kick ahead looked well covered by Stags in goal until the ball hit a post and rebounded to the Banbury centre for a soft try. A second try, by the Banbury open side made it 10-3 to the visitors at half- time.

The second half was played mainly in the Stags half Banbury eventually wearing the home side down. Tries arising from a front peel at a line-out, a cross kick and chase by the winger and by the scrum half after a rolling maul made for a slightly flattering score line for the visitors.

Stags will hope that their three injured backs will be fit for the new year and that pitches will be firmer than yesterdays, thus allowing them to recapture the form of their early season performances.

A social game has been arranged for 30 December at St Neots. The next league fixture is at Ampthill on 6 January.

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