Stags made a winning return to the racecourse on Saturday as they beat league newcomers Belgrave 13-3.

The Hunts Post: Huntingdon Stags rugby actionHuntingdon Stags rugby action (Image: KenChallenger)

Despite the opposition starting the strongest, the Huntingdon side’s defence stood firm and slowly took a grip on the game.

In weather conditions that didn’t lend themselves to flowing rugby, Stags took the lead through full back Dan Malem who scored under the posts after good work by centre Ben Strangeways and flanker Roger Shakespeare. Malem converted his own try.

Two penalties in the second half by Malem, who was sent to the sin bin late on for a trip, completed the scoring, with just a penalty in response for Belgrave.

Stags travel to old rivals Bugbrooke on Saturday.