Stags could justifiably claim that at this stage of the season with every league point crucial it is a case of “never mind the performance look at the result”. To their great credit they never stopped trying and perhaps for that reason alone deserved to win this somewhat undistinguished game with a try by Simon Orange, who had a good match all round, in the final minute.

Though one or two line outs went astray early on, stags started confidently, the driving mauls being particularly effective, and a 5-0 lead through a Tom Beattie try was a fair reflection of the early balance of play. Mistakes then crept in, the passing lacked crispness and accuracy and Stags seemed to forget where their strengths lay. Daventry were allowed back in the match with two tries, both of which resulted from defensive howlers. Stags still had a good share of possession with an Elliot Baldwin penalty and another good forward effort resulting in a Benny Giglio try gave Stags a 13-12 lead at half time.

That lead lasted one minute into the second half as Stags conceded a turn over and Daventry moved the ball through their backs for a try wide out. Stags were now rarely out of their own half and were fortunate when a very kickable penalty went wide.

The margin remained four points so Stags were still in with a chance. In truth though, it was difficult to see where points were going to come from as Stags were unable to generate any momentum or put together phases of play. Still Stags dogged it out and with time running out a scrum was won on Daventry’s twenty two. For once the passing was precise enough to open up the defence for a try in the corner. No time for a re-start. Oh joy, oh rapture 18-17 to Stags.

Next match is against Towcestrians, at Hinchingbrooke, on 10th February, kick off 2.15pm.