The Stags ventured up to Bristol for the last time this season too take on Old Red’s 2nd XV who currently sat 9th in the league table.
With the slope of the pitch to The Stags advantage off they went and immediately applied pressure on Red’s defensive line and within a couple of minutes from the KO, the ball was recycled out wide to No 8 Ash Cutter, no idea what he was doing on the wing, who used his strength to crash over the line and take a 0-5 lead.
The Stags were in control of the game for many periods of the first half with quick recycled ball at the break down but poor decision making and handling errors let them down which gave possession & territory away at that crucial point.
Back row, Sam Wall, went off with mild concussion and minutes later, Fly Half Tom Chaffey, went off with a dislocated finger so on came, Eoghan Westhoff for Wall and Felix Grandfield for Chaffey with Piper stepping back in to his usual position at Fly Half.
Red’s noticed the frustration on The Stag’s faces and soon it was there turn to take control for the remainder of the first half which paid off as they levelled the game at 5-5- shorty before the break.
The mood at half time was a combination of positive & negative and trying to take the positives out of the first half was proving difficult due to error strewn first half performance, that said, this tenacious group of players showed why they are high up the league table.
The Stags were awarded a penalty in the Red’s 22 which Piper slotted over to regain the lead 5-8.
From the restart, Red’s Fly half kicked the ball high, which gave the home pack time to race into The Stags 22 and force more errors. Once composure had be regained and good ball retention The Stags slowly worked there way up the slope. They found themselves in the Red’s 22, working from side to side with slow ball and seeking any gaps that appeared in the Red’s back line.
The phases of play hit double figures before The Stags broke the Red’s line and Ryan Beard did what he does best out wide and scored a much needed but well deserved try with Piper adding the conversion. 5-15.
The stags knew what was coming from the KO but didn’t react quickly enough and lost ball gave Red’s an opportunity to test the away defence. Ryan Rossiter was outstanding all afternoon at outside centre nailing anything moved.
With 10 minutes to play, Piper spotted a gap in the 9-10 channel, made 25 m with Beard in support who received the pass and sealed the win. 5-22.
Red’s had other ideas and from the KO forced the errors which paid off as they scored an consolation try not long before the final whistle.
Final score 10-22.
MOM – Ryan Rossiter.
DOD – Tom Stevens for punching his team mate
Next week we travel to Honiton RFC in what will be an epic game of rugby in the South West Counties Final. KO is at 2.00pm. Coach leaves The BASC at 11.00am.