The Stags welcomed local rivals Hornets to kick off the 2019/20 season and produced an sublime game of rugby with Inside Centre, Will Hopkins, bagging a hat trick of try’s.

First on the score board for the home team was Hooker, Adam Peters, who received the ball at the back of a maul only 5m out from a lineout which was only going one way for Peter’s try. 5-0

The game settled for a short period with both teams sharing possession of ball flitting into each others territories.

As The Stags began to settle a penalty was awarded to the home team who kicked for touch and sensed another try. Lineout won and off they went from 8m out With the ball at the back of the maul, scrum half, Sam Lewis scored the second try of the game. 10-0

Hornets had other ideas and caught the home team napping with a try out wide to close the 10 point gap. 10-5.

The Stags set pieces were sold throughout the game which set a platform to work from and Stef Pierce scored the third try. 15-0. 

Possession of ball was in the Stags favour and Lewis opened up the visitors defence with a blistering run, Hopkins was in support and received the ball from Lewis, to bag his first try which he converted himself. 22-5.

Soon after the forth try Hopkins began to shine with ball in hand showing his strength and power crashing into the Hornets defence to score his second try shortly before half time 27-5.

Only a few minutes had gone into the second half and No 8, Ash Cutter, spotted wholes in the Hornets line and waltzed through to extend the lead with The Stags sixth try which was converted. 34-5. 

Hornets scored a similar try to their first from out wide to claw back 5 points 34-10. 

The Stags responded and as Pierce scored his second try of the game 39-10 but  sadly, Hopkins was awarded a yellow card for not releasing the player he tackled soon after.


Hornets used this to their advantage and clawed back another try, 39-15 but further tries from replacement prop, Ed Lewis, his brother Sam and Man of the Match, Hopkins completed an emphatic win over there local rivals which finished up 58 – 15.

The Stags are on the road this forthcoming Saturday away to Avon 1st XV. KO is 3pm.