Huntingdon Stags 26-17 Sleaford HUNTINGDON Stags recorded their first win since their return to the Racecourse with victory over Sleaford in the RFU Senior Vase. Fielding a team containing several new players, Stags showed the potential they have this sea

Huntingdon Stags 26-17 Sleaford

HUNTINGDON Stags recorded their first win since their return to the Racecourse with victory over Sleaford in the RFU Senior Vase.

Fielding a team containing several new players, Stags showed the potential they have this season with a strong display of attacking rugby in front of a sizeable crowd.

Despite the enthusiastic home support, it was Sleaford who had the chance to lead with a penalty, but a wayward kick meant the chance went begging.

Stags continued to battle, and had a try disallowed for a double movement. They got their reward when James Thorpe crossed for a try, and Elliot Baldwin knocked over the conversion with the help of the post to make it 7-0 at the break.

Baldwin missed a penalty chance to extend Stags' lead, this time seeing his kick rebound the wrong side of the post.

Two quick-fire tries from Richard Ruddy and James Finch seemed to seal the match at 19-0.

But from a commanding position, Stags allowed Sleaford to get a foothold in the game. The visitors snatched a converted try and added another five points almost immediately from another try.

Stung into action, Stags came back with a converted try through Finch's second before Sleaford completed the scoring for the afternoon to bag an unconverted try to tighten the scores.