At the end of a long season, this was an open and well contested match and though stags played the more inventive and adventurous rugby, two defensive lapses and one controversial try consigned them to another home defeat against a side whom they had beaten on the road.

the first lapse came on 10 minutes when the scouts right wing, admittedly a pacey and elusive runner, was allowed too much freedom for an individual try.

Stags hit back well and a quick penalty allowed Dale Abblitt to cross, Damien Whales converting. 7-5 to Stagsbut they lost concentration and left a large hole on the blindside for the Scouts scrum half to exploit and then, though Stags were convinced thatthe opposition flanker was yards offsidefrom a kick ahead, the visitors third try was allowed to stand for a 17-7 lead.

The final 10 minutes of the half saw Stags spurn kickable penalties in their quest for a try but though they pounded the line and had their opportunities, Scouts held out to preservetheir 10 point lead at the break.

the second half continued as the first had ended with Stags having all the territory but once again a lack of patience and composure and the final pass going astray let them down. Though Stags were now playing sevens style rugby no score came until Ben Strangeways was driven over with 8 minutes left. It was not enough time to produce another score.

Though disappointed at this defeat, Stags can view the season with satisfaction, achieving 11 victories and 2 drawngames out of 22 matches and fifth place in the table. With 151 points out ofa total of 420 ,Whales made a huge contribution; though playing only a handful of games Simon Leader was leading try scorer with 10 and Stags will hope that he will be restored to full fitness in time for next season. Neil Welsh was second in the try scoring table with8 and, overall, the backs were far more productive than in recent seasons. Elliot Baldwin and Whales were ever present and captain Tom McCreadie, Strangeways, Abblitt, Welsh and Robbie Attewell missed very few.