Huntingdon head coach Damien Whales has been left to reflect on another result that got away.

Stags were pipped 35-34 at Newark in a high-scoring Midlands Division One East clash last Saturday.

Simon Rose was unable to convert either of the two penalties earned by Huntingdon in the closing stages which would have earned a narrow victory rather than another agonising defeat.

“It was the same old story of us being hit by injury and unavailability,” said Whales.

“We went to Newark with a patched-up side but nonetheless we should have won the game.

“We had the opportunities to do with the late penalties which were both very kickable, but it wasn’t to be.

“We picked up two more league points due to the closeness of the scoreline and the tries we scored, but in all reality it should have been five for winning the game.”

Reggie Reid, who called time on his playing career earlier in the season, answered an SOS call to return for Stags at fly-half.

He was rewarded with a hat-trick of tries while the influential Wayne Bradley marked his return from a lengthy injury layoff with another score.

James Thorp and Steven Chantler also touched down with Rose twice guiding over conversion attempts.

Fifth-placed Stags complete their best-ever season at Midlands Division One East level with back-to-back home games.

They host top-three side Newbold on Avon this Saturday before bringing the curtain down with the visit of Northampton Old Scouts on April 16.

Whales added: “Hanging onto fifth place would be very pleasing to complete a season of progress.

“It has been by far and away our best at this level, but we all know it could have been so much better.

“We’ve gone into too many games with too many people missing, but hopefully we can end it with a couple of good performances and results.

“Newbold gave us a good hiding at their place and we need to try to put that right whereas the Old Scouts game will be a big social event.

“It’s our President’s Day and there will be a lot of people watching who we intend to entertain and impress.”