Stags see wood for trees as Forest chopped down

Rugby Union Conference Midlands 3 East (South)

Leicester Forest 3 Huntingdon Stags 12

DESPITE never reaching great heights in terms of attacking flair, Stags secured victory in their first match of the season.

Stags' success came by virtue of a 'thou shalt not pass' policy and means they can go into the weekend's game with Northampton Casuals full of confidence.

It was surprising neither side managed to cross the try line but dogged defence earned Huntingdon the win.

The opening exchanges were fairly even and the home side took the lead through a penalty on 10 minutes, soon levelled by Damien Whales' kick.

Despite seeing Elliot Baldwin sin-binned for the visitors, Forest were unable to take advantage and saw two of their own players follow Baldwin to the bin.

Whales made the most of this extra space to kick his second penalty and the Stags pack began to dominate the game.

Forest managed to cling on to just a 6-3 deficit at half time, but Stags were confident their pressure would eventually tell on the hosts.

Forest missed a couple of penalties after the interval but Whales made no mistake with his next efforts, increasing the lead to 12-3 and Stags remained resolute to seal the win.

Huntingdon will look to build on the result on Saturday at Hinchingbrooke, when Casuals, who lost 46-10 to Wellingborough at the weekend, are the visitors.

The match kicks off at 3pm, while Stags II also have a home fixture, against Northampton Heathens.

* St Ives Bulls open their season at home to Stamford on Saturday.