Midlands 3 East (South) Huntingdon Stags 18 Daventry 17 THE performance might not have been the best, but few Stags fans will care as their side recorded a crucial last-minute victory. Simon Orange epitomised the never-say-die attitude of Huntingdon by cr

Midlands 3 East (South)

Huntingdon Stags 18 Daventry 17

THE performance might not have been the best, but few Stags fans will care as their side recorded a crucial last-minute victory.

Simon Orange epitomised the never-say-die attitude of Huntingdon by crossing the line in the final minute to give Stags some breathing space at the wrong end of the table.

Despite some poor line-outs in the early stages, the home side began confidently, particularly in the driving maul, and Tom Beattie scored a try that reflected the balance of play.

However, after taking the lead, mistakes began to creep into Huntingdon's game with a number of passes going astray and lacking crispness. Daventry took full advantage with two tries, both of which came from defensive errors.

An Elliot Baldwin penalty and a Benny Giglio try, on the back of some strong forward play, gave Stags a narrow 13-12 advantage going into half time.

The lead lasted only one minute into the second half. Stags conceded a turnover and Daventry moved the ball through their backs for a try wide out.

Stags were now rarely out of their own half and were fortunate when a very kickable visiting penalty went wide.

The margin remained four points and Stags were still in with a chance. In truth though, it was difficult to see where points were going to come from as Stags were unable to generate any momentum or put together phases of play.

However, Huntingdon kept battling and with time running out a scrum was won on Daventry's 22-yard line. For once the passing was precise enough to open up the defence for Orange to secure the crucial win in the corner.

* Stags welcome mid-table Towcestrians to Hinchingbrooke on Saturday, kick off 2.15pm.

Midlands 6 East (South)

Anstey 0 St Neots 57

ANOTHER convincing win for St Neots saw them maintain their lead at the top of the table with eight wins from nine.

Conditions were well suited to Saints' free flowing attacking game and it came as no surprise when winger Adam Peel opening the scoring after five minutes. James Fitch missed the conversion in front of the posts, tripping over an unseen obstacle, but this was a minor disappointment in his six out of nine kicking performance.

American youngster Joe Wroczynski showed his potential on the wing, scoring Saints' second try. Man-of-the-match Phil Fearnie scored one try in typical fashion and Fitch contributed another two.

The second half saw no let-up from Saints with forwards and backs dominant. Slick handling in the backs allowed Peel to complete his hat-trick, while also finding time to generously gift fly half Jamie Phillips a try under the posts. The scoring was completed by Matt Ellwood who ran in unopposed from 30 metres

Coach Chris Lilley said: "As we stand, all three St Neots senior teams are top of their respective leagues and everything is looking good for us to keep it that way come the end of April."

* St Neots visit Stamford College on Saturday in a top vs bottom fixture.