Stags got their league campaign back on track with a convincing display against Daventry, albeit against opponents who have yet to win a league game this season.

In fact Stags’ 38 points was their highest total since April 3 2004 when they scored 40 against Loughborough Students.

Elliot Baldwin was the Stags leading scorer last season with a total of 37; so far Damien Whales has 38.

This match started untidily, Stags conceding a rash of penalties, one of which Daventry converted for a 3-0 lead. Stags hit back quickly, a strong  run by Glen Carson down the left  and a neat inside pass giving Neil Welsh a clear run to the line. Whales, who kicked impeccably throughout, added the extras. Stags then exerted some pressure but  having  conceded a penalty, took a collective siesta and allowed the visitors a try from 75 yards to give them an 8-7 lead.

A crucial moment came just on half time when the referee ruled that Doug Bentley had successfully grounded the ball after a forward drive; 14-8 to Stags at the break.

Stags dominated the second half, largely through the efforts of the forwards who were in control in the tight scrummage and mauls, through frequently second best at the ruck.

Whales kicked a penalty and then a perfectly controlled maul gave Stags their third try through Benny Giglio. Daventry were penned into their own half and, when given a penalty, made a mess of their passing in the centre, allowing Welsh to intercept a loose ball for his second try.

Though Daventry added a second penalty and also a second try, Stags had the last word, good harrying by Ben Strangeways creating pressure for Carson to force his way over for a fifth try.