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Powergen RFU Senior Cup

Scunthorpe 22  Mansfield 10

Mansfield's journey in the Senior Cup this year was a short one, failing to go any further than Scunthorpe despite a very encouraging opening period and a lead at half time.

In a game that certainly was one of two halves, Mansfield settled after a bright start from the home side to exert great pressure at the set pieces.

Seizing advantage after deliberate handling in the scrum they scrummaged well before slick handling fed Arnold for the opening try of the season on 27 minutes.

Within five more minutes debutant Brendan McGaffney, on for the injured Storey, intercepted and set ball up for long downfield ball.

Jones pressurised the home full back and evergreen Marrows was on hand to put Mansfield 10-0 up at the break.
Facing the blustery wind in the second period the Blue and Whites were soon pegged back with a 43rd-minute try and conceded three more, one converted, by the 65th. minute.

"It was disappointing to concede four tries in the second half," said coach John Tasker. "Especially as we had competed so well in the first half.

"There were a lot of plusses and, despite travelling without five of our regulars, the game allowed us to give runs to most of the squad.
"We now have to convert our training ground fitness into match fitness and pace for a demanding season ahead."

Mansfield's season looks like having a stuttering start as, with Leicester Lions progressing in the cup, the opening league match has been postponed.

Arrangements for this Saturday were still being finalised at the time of going to press but it seems the visit of Derby to Eakring Road on September 11th will signal the start of the Midlands One campaign.

 

 

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