Joint coach Paul Baynes declared himself ‘reasonably happy’ with Huntingdon’s progress in their second season at Midlands Division One East level.

The Stags signed off with a 31-24 success over Newark at the Racecourse on Saturday to secure a ninth-placed finish.

Baynes said: “Relegation has never been a threat and, unlike last season, we have proved we can beat the top sides in the league.

“Next season we need to perform at the same level week in, week out – especially away from the Racecourse.”

Huntingdon trailed 17-10 at the break against Newark following a Dan Malem try, conversion and penalty in the opening 40 minutes.

But they blew their visitors away in the second half thanks to tries from Tad Chapman, man-of-the-match Billy Bates and Malem – all of which were converted by the latter. A late try for Newark then ensured they avoided relegation.

Baynes added; “This game summed up our season in many ways. When we are good we can really put teams to the sword, but we need to develop greater consistency.”