The first home game of the new rugby season is always a game worth watching and this was no different. While the day started off rather dull and grey it soon picked up and Eakring Road ended up being bathed in a late summer sun. Perfect conditions for a competitive game of rugby.

Competitive is what we got and head coach Wayne Robinson was left with jangling nerves at the final whistle: “We opened up a good lead and then they came back at us. We lost our shape a little at times but I’m very happy with a bonus point victory.”

The early exchanges were largely even, both teams were intent on trying to run with the ball even if the final pass wasn’t always delivered with the necessary accuracy. The first score came following a Mansfield penalty. Keen to attack Chris Hawkins got hold of the ball and, with the deftest of offloads, impressive for any player let alone a front rower, fed the ball to fellow forward Sam Holmes who raced the remaining 30 m to register the first try of the game. A tricky conversion was slotted by fly half Nathan Hill to see the score read 7-0.

As would happen for much of the second half, Moderns struck right back with a well-crafted and impressive try of their own. Determined to throw the ball around as much as possible, a series of interlinking passes saw them work 60 metres up the pitch and score a try of their own. The conversion was missed, perhaps surprisingly considering its location close to the posts, leaving Mansfield with some breathing space, 7-5.

The home team then scored the next two tries, opening up a welcome 14 point lead. The first came after some scrappy play from a scrum. Mansfield largely held dominance in the scrum but it was the speed of Andreas Zacharia that saw the second of Mansfield tries scored, gaining hold of possession and screaming through to dot down for what would be the first of two tries for him. A successful conversion saw Mansfield increase their score to 14 points. The second came from youngster Zane Chiappetta, whose confidence in the first team squad is evidently increasing, taking the ball forward and steamrollering through spirited Moderns defence to register the first of his brace. The conversion was missed but at 19-5, the home team had a nice lead to build on.

That said, Moderns built up pressure of their own and, after a succession of penalties, were able to close the gap with a converted try. As the half time whistle blew, the score read 19-12 to the blue-and-whites.

The first blood of the second half belonged to the visitors. Taking advantage of possession, Moderns tore through the Mansfield defence to score a thoroughly impressive team try. A successful conversion saw their initial comeback complete, the scores all even at 19 apiece.

The remainder of the second half would see both teams vying for a way to break the deadlock. Either team could have come away the victors. Mansfield made the first break with a penalty attempt goal, nudging just in front at 22-19. Then came the second of Chiappetta’s efforts, this time going around the defence instead of through it, showing a set of dancing feet as well as power, his performance deservedly winning him man of the match from matchday sponsor Stopford Associates. A missed conversion saw the score read 27-19 to the home team.

Moderns again got themselves back in touch, a converted try of their own bringing them to 27-26 and a nail biting conclusion.

Thankfully for the home supporters, the ball came into the possession of Mark Wallace who fought his way through the defence and made plenty of ground upfield. He managed to offload the ball to Andreas Zacharia to secure a brace of his own and finish the game. A missed conversion saw the final score read 32-26 to the home team. A well deserved 4 try bonus point went to both teams and Mansfield can be happy with the victory.

Next week, Mansfield travel to Rolls Royce. You can follow the action on Twitter @MansfieldRugby.