The Stags last played at The Kings House, back in April 2018, whereby they were on the end of a 57-5 drubbing. Fast forward three and half years and things have dramatically changed.

From the off, The Stags meant business, and were rewarded with a Penalty for off side which Tim Piper slotted over for the first points on the score board. 0-3

Kings were under pressure in all areas for the first ten minutes and Stag No 8 Ashley Cutter went over for the first try of the game. Piper adding the conversion 0-10.

The Stags continued to pile on the pressure and Kings struggled to cope with  this visitors expansive style of play. Kings were pinned in there own 22 area and after several phases of play the gaps began to appear which gave Tight Head Chris Warner time to scamper through and increase the lead with a second try and Piper converting 0-17.

Kings needed a awake a call and the score line was just that and the tide was about to change. 

Ill-discipline began to creep in with numerous off sides and minor infringements at the break down. This allowed Kings to retain the ball and gain momentum.The stags began to wobble as Kings scored three tries all in the last 15 minutes of the first half. Thankfully there kicker was not on form as missed all three conversions. HT Score 15-17

The wobble continued for The Stags at the start of the second half which didn’t help with some poor refereeing decisions. 

Kings were camped in Stags 22 area, forced a lineout on the 5m line, which they won but the maul was not formed as The Stags did not compete, therefore, ball is in open play but the ref decided it was offside when Ross McKechan went for the player and ball.

From everyone’s dismay a penalty was given against McKechan and Kings eventually came away with a penalty try 22-17.

Changes were made with James Havercroft and Andrew Aldred coming off the bench for Sam Wall and Ash Cutter respectively. 

Both made an immediate impact around the park with solid ball carrying and gaining territory.This gave the Stag back line a platform to build on and within minutes, after several phases of play,  The Stags ran in a superbly worked try which started in there own half and was scored by Ryan Beard out wide to level the score. 22-22.

The Stags expansive game we saw in the first half hour of the match came back to light and another well worked try was scored by Fullback, Scott Havercroft who raced along the wing and touched down under the posts making life easy for Piper 22-29.

Credit to Kings as they battled there way back into the Stag’s half but resilient defending and some decisions going our way it was not to be. Aldred was a nuisance without the ball in the loose but with ball in hand territory was always made.

The nail in the coffin was minutes before the final whistle as inside centre, Will Hopkins, went over under the posts to seal the game .

Final Score 22-36.

Man of the Match went to Andrew Aldred
D@&K of the Day went to Toby Fear for knocking the ball on within his own try area!!!