The game started with Mansfield attacking through their forwards who were dominating the area around the fringes and it was no surprise when second row Andy Simms powered over the try line after good ruck and maul work from the forwards.

5 - 0 Mansfield.

The lead was extended further when Southwell picked up a yellow card for what was deemed as a spear tackle which seemed a little bit harsh, the following play took Mansfield deep into Southwell territory where a penalty was won and Ross Elms slotted over the penalty.

8 - 0 Mansfield.

With Southwell now back to full strength following the return of their sin bin and a change of plan Southwell started to supply their backs with much quicker ball, this gave an immediate reward with their centre and wing both running tries in to totally turn the game on it's head, suddenly Mansfield were the side hanging on praying for half time.
With one try converted and an earlier penalty half time read Southwell 15 Mansfield 8.

After a half time Tongue lashing from the coach and a couple of fresh sets of legs on the pitch Mansfield started to look like the team who had dominated the early part of the game with the forwards working well with ball in hand around the loose and with the backs defence looking much tighter in the 2nd half nullifying the dangerous Southwell back combination.

Eventually Mansfield fought their way to the visitors 22 where much like their first try a lone Mansfield forward peeled off the back of a maul to power over for a try this time number 8 Kyle Lovell was the scorer and this was just a start of his personal tally for the day.

With Elms off with a tight hamstring Lovell took it on himself to take the home sides penalties converting 2 out of 3 to give Mansfield a narrow victory 24 to 21.

This was the kind of game where the big winner was the game of Rugby itself.

Both sides fought out a tough but fair game and although Mansfield narrowly won no one would have complained had it been a draw as both squads did their best to entertain the 2 proud club's supporters.

Mansfield Rugby Club

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