With its pronounced slope, partisan supporters and intimidating clubhouse very close to the pitch, Ampthill is always a difficult place for visiting sides.

Added to this last Saturday was a sodden  surface, torrential rain in the second half when Stags were up the slope and a big heavy Ampthill pack and Stags were up against it all round.

As it was, Stags produced a most creditable display, marred by conceding two similar rather soft tries in the final quarter to speculative kicks ahead by the home side which were not dealt with defensively. 13-6 thus became 27-6 in the space of a few minutes, repeating too closely the pattern of recent matches against S and L and Banbury.
                  
Stags scored first through an Elliot Baldwin penalty. Ampthill replying with a penalty and a try from a quick tap while Stags were caught napping. A crucial moment came when Simon Orange was through for what seemed a good try only to be brought back for an earlier forward pass – a marginal decision. Though Baldwin struck a second good kick an 8-6 deficit at half time meant that a minor miracle was needed in the second period.

Early on and despite a fine covering tackle by Quentin Minnaar, the referee ruled that the home winger had properly grounded the ball in the corner- another marginal call. Thereafter Stags defended solidly, the whole pack but especially the back row, giving as good as they got in the close quarter exchanges. Stags had spells of  possession but were unable to exert sufficient sustained pressure to seriously trouble the home defence. A consolation score looked possible right at the end when Ampthill had both their second row in the bin [the referee continuing the Christmas spirit with his generosity with cards]and Stags had a five metre scrum but the opportunity passed by.

Stags face Towcester at Hinchingbrooke this Saturday, kick-off 2.15 pm.