Stags were understandably disappointed to lose to a converted try with just two minutes left but in a match in which the lead changed hands four times, they competed doughtily and defended heroically throughout and can derive considerable satisfaction from their participation in a contest that was a credit to both teams and, indeed, to the league itself.

Lutterworth were well organised, strong in key areas with a particularly able loose head so Stags really struggled in the tight. The line out, too, was not watertight and so Stags were short of quality possession from these two areas. The rucking though , especially in the second half was much improved over recent weeks and Stags can be reasonably confident that they are unlikely to meet as good an eight again this season.

In fact, Stags had a perfect start, Damien Whales cleverly switching the direction of attack with a long pass to Elliot Baldwin who scored virtually unchallenged Whales converting. The lead did not last long, Stags defence got in a muddle during an advantage, 7-5 but a Whales penalty made it 10-5.  Back came Lutterworth with a forwards try to bring the scores level. Stags were pinned down and were forced to desperate defence but a rare excursion into opposition territory gave Whales the opportunity to kick a 45 yard penalty for 13-10. The lead changed hands once more, however, as the home side got their third try to  take a  15-13 advantage at half-time.

Lutterworths well judged box kicks were  giving the Stags back three repeated problems and from one of these, a misdirected  defensive clearance enabled the home side to open out and at22-13 Stags were staring into the abyss. To their great credit they re-grouped ant took the game to the hosts up front,  the two back rows having a titanic contest. A succession    of picks and drives gave Whales a third penalty and when the same player exploited a gap in the defence it was 18 points to Whales, 23 to Stags and a one point lead with just under 15 minutes left.

Could Stags hold on? For a full five minutes the Stags line was pounded but the defence held;  then Lutterworth spun it out, kept their composure and had enough men over for a try in the inside centre channel. There was no time for Stags to come back.

This was the third league defeat of the season for Stags but they played infinitely better than in the other two; if they continue to perform in similar fashion, with a tightening up on the set pieces, they will win more than they lose over the campaign.