There were plenty of positives in defeat for Huntingdon last Saturday following a home reverse at the hands of the early Midlands Division One East pacesetters.

The Hunts Post: Stags man Andy Mourits saw a try disallowed against Bedford Athletic.Stags man Andy Mourits saw a try disallowed against Bedford Athletic. (Image: Archant)

Stags were beaten 25-3 by Bedford Athletic in miserable conditions at The Racecourse where torrential rain predictably led to numerous handling errors.

The two teams traded penalties in the first half as two successful efforts from the visitors were followed by one from Huntingdon man Tad Chapman, who maintained his 100 per cent record with the boot this season.

Unfortunately, that proved to be his only kicking opportunity and the home side’s only source of points in a game against an Athletic side who look a good bet to figure prominently in the promotion race.

Athletic stretched their lead with a try on the stroke of half-time, which was allowed to stand despite protests of a forward pass and earned them an 11-3 advantage.

Two converted tries in quick succession followed early in the second period, but restricting the Bedford side to 25 points was something of a triumph for Stags. They had piled up 47 and 60 in their previous two victories, but were regularly kept at bay by some sturdy Huntingdon defensive work.

Stags deserved a try of their own and thought they had got just that when Andy Mourits darted over from five yards, but his effort was not allowed to stand due to taking a tap penalty too quickly for the liking of referee Andrew Beckett.

Stags look to have a good opportunity to return to winning ways this Saturday when going to Bugbrooke. The Northamptonshire side have lost all three of their outings to date this season – leaking 126 points in the process.

Huntingdon 2nds recorded their first win of the season when beating Biggleswade 3rds 12-5 last weekend.