Mansfield win with second half supershow

Following an indifferent first half that saw both teams go into the break with 10 points each, Mansfield RUFC rallied impressively in the second half and came out all guns blazing in a manner that put Matlock away convincingly 37-17 and rewarded the Blue & Whites with the full five league points on offer.
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After losing their first away league game to Matlock in September, in a less than impressive performance Mansfield were keen to redress the balance.

After just five minutes Jonathan Williams put his side in front with a well struck penalty.

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With just 10 minutes elapsed on the clock Mansfield were awarded a penalty on the opposition 22.

Alan Symcox caught the defence napping with a quick tap of the ball and set off to cross the line unopposed. Jonathan Williams added the extras with a superb touchline conversion to bring the score to 10-0.

As the game entered the second quarter Matlock began to force their way back into the contest, using their very strong scrummage as the platform for all attacks.

This paid off as they drove the home side back over the line for their first try and conversion.

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Mansfield were forced into giving away needless penalties and without much in the way of possession they struggled for any cohesion during this period. As a consequence the visitors levelled the scores after 23 minutes to 10-apiece.

The Derbyshire outfit continued to dominate proceedings for most of the remainder of time left in the opening stanza, and a yellow card for Josh Hall only aggravated the situation.

That said, the Blue & Whites ensured the score remained static whilst they were a man down and in the final few minutes of the half a sign of what was to come from them began to emerge.

Two tries even went begging at this point as a wayward foot just kissed the touchline and a last pass was dropped.

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Whatever was said at the half-time talk clearly worked as a different side emerged to take the game to the opposition with a great deal more conviction.

Alan Symcox added his second try after just four minutes after some great work by John Ross Ward at full back, who impressed all afternoon.

With nine minutes played skipper Phil Donaldson broke away down the wing to feed Chester Scott inside.

He took the ball up to the 22 and, with a superbly timed pass, fed Greene King Man of the Match Adam Shaw, who crossed the line untouched to bring the score to 20-10.

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Matlock continued to dominate at scrum time, but this was never going to be enough to stop the now relentless onslaught from Mansfield.

As the third quarter drew to a close Matlock had a man of their own despatched to the sin-bin and the home side took full advantage of the opposition being a man down.

From the resultant penalty Mansfield opted for the scrum and, after the ball went slickly down the line, John Ross Ward crossed the line for a well taken bonus point try - just reward for an excellent afternoon’s work

Although he was striking the ball well, Jonathan Williams, had to content with a very strong wind and unfortunately the conversion sailed an inch wide again, leaving the score at 25-10.

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With half an hour played Mansfield again opted for a scrum from a penalty.

The ball was transferred to Jonathan Williams who, with a trademark dummy and two steps, beat three defenders to cross under the posts. He then added the extra two points to make the score 32-10.

The visitors continued to utilise the driving maul to great effect and won a penalty for repeated infringements.

From this they opted for a scrum 5m out and, in the process of driving over, were awarded a penalty try by the official.

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With the score at 32-17 and just five minutes left to play, some industrious work from Andy Simms and Josh Hall set up great field position.

From this the ball was recycled several times and eventually found Jordan Cleaver out on the wing for him to cross in the corner, bringing the score to 37-17 and the five points were secured.

Mansfield turn their attention to Three Counties (NLD) Cup action this weekend as they visit Glossop in the quarter final. Kick-off is at 2.15pm and you can follow the action on Twitter, just go to @MansfieldRugby.

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