Saturday’s clash at The BASC was a double header as both teams agreed to combine the league fixture with the first round of the Somerset Vase with The Stags aiming to retain the cup they won last season.

This fixture has always been a battle between the two sides and it was the hosts who had the upper hand in the first half. Possession of ball flitted between both teams for many periods of the first half but it was The Stags who made use of the possession who gained territory into the Imps half.

Imps showed what power they had up front as they dominated the scrums throughout the game but The Stags had a game plan and it was working well as they entered the Imps 22. The ball was fed out wide, from a previous set piece, and some well worked interlinking in the back line gave Outside centre, Josh Holder, the opportunity to cross the line and score the first try of the game after 15 minutes. Tim Piper converted 7-0.

Imps were dogged and ruthless at most breakdowns as they slow the ball down for The Stags for the next 15 minutes but when quick ball was produced Imps struggled to defend out back. The Stags learnt from old that patience will pay off which proved when Full Back, Alex Watkins, entered the back line to increase numbers, creating the overlap and scored to extend lead. Piper adding the extras. 14-0.

Piper slotted a penalty shortly after the second try increase the lead even more to 17-0 but it was Imps finished off the better side of the first half as they pushed The Stags back on to there own try line. Imps didn’t have the patience like the hosts as they were trying to force the ball but The Stags quick defence and some poor handling errors let them down.

HT 17-0

The second half was a different a tale for the hosts. Imps knew they had the upper hand in the scrums and capitalised on this by opting for scrums when infringements were given. The Stags struggled to contain the ball on there own put in and Imps were awarded a penalty on the 5m line. The Stags knew what was coming and could not hold back the oncoming set of forwards and Imps scored an unconverted try from the base of the scrum. 17-5.

Imps pinned The Stags back but the lack of patience was evident for them as they kept giving away possession to allow The Stags to clear the line but a similar scenario to the first try happened again for Imps as they scored another push over try which was converted close the gap. 17-12.

The Stags knew what was coming and did not fall into the Imps trap for the remainder of the half as they did what they could in the scrums and stood firm in the loose. 

No points gained in the second half for The Stags but credit to all 15 players who defended immensely against a strong Imps side.

Final Score 17-12.

So with two hard fought games over the last couple of weeks The Stags have another this forthcoming Saturday as they remain home to entertain league leaders Minehead RFC. KO is a 3pm.