Stags lost in the Forest
Midlands Rugby League Division Three East (South) Huntingdon Stags 10 Leicester Forest 14 STAGS went down to a narrow defeat in their first match of the season at home to last season s third placed side, Leicester Forest. It was Forest s dominance at the
Midlands Rugby League Division Three East (South)
Huntingdon Stags 10 Leicester Forest 14
STAGS went down to a narrow defeat in their first match of the season at home to last season's third placed side, Leicester Forest.
It was Forest's dominance at the scrum that told, with Huntingdon matching the fancied side in virtually every other department, even outscoring Forest in tries by two to one.
Stags were 10-3 ahead at one point but lapses of concentration cost them dear but the overall mood after the game was positive.
Forest took an early lead with a penalty after shading the opening exchanges and, despite being reduced to 14 men, Stags took the lead with a fine try. Simon Orange scored in the corner following good work from Dale Abblitt and John Haldane to give Stags a 5-3 half time lead.
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The home team resisted some more pressure from the visitors and forged further ahead when captain Neil Walsh seized on a loose ball to kick downfield and set up Orange to calmly score his second try.
Despite their lead, Stags showed some inexperience and failed to shut up shop, allowing Forest to edge their way back into the match with first one, then a second penalty, and eventually a try.
It was a disappointing end to the first match of the season for Stags but fans were encouraged by the team's commitment and strong tackling.
Stags' second XV went down to a 36-5 home defeat by Peterborough while the third XV defeated St Neots thirds by 21 points to nil.
Stags visit Northampton Casuals on Saturday for their first away fixture of the season, the next game at Hinchingbrooke on September 23.
