The Georgians are more of a development side,  with some recent Newcastle Falcons Academy players in their ranks,  and their expansive game proved too much for a Stags side with its mixture of teenagers and lads in their 30s. Skipper Martin Todd and Greg  Edwards completing a full shift in midfield, with their former first team mate Scott Butcher returning at No 8 in place of the injured Nick Bennions. Butch was the best player on the pitch.

The Georgians ran out to a guard of honour from their Under 16’s girls team and promptly threw the ball about. However, with scrum half Kai Peirse and back row Charlie Kay leading from the front, the Stags’ tackling was up to the job and the storm was weathered for the first 20 minutes.

When the Stags did finally work their way upfield patience paid off. Ben Reed, alternating with Zac Southern at fly half, threw out a great pass to Greg Edwaards on the Blaydon 22 and he sent winger Jordan Painter heading for the corner.

Painter was unceremoniously stopped with a high tackle. Not for the first-time in recent games the decision was no penalty try and no yellow card.  Fortunately, from the kick to the corner that man Butcher found space to give his side the lead for the first and only time.

The yellow card did come out from the restart as Charlie Kay was penalised for a high tackle, and then a minute later Jordan Painter followed him as he deliberately knocked on just inside the Stags’ 22.

Down to 13 men it was an open invitation for Blaydon to take the lead and they promptly ran in three tries to give themselves a 21-5 lead at the break - despite the half ending with the Stags camped on the home line.

Restored to full strength the Stags had hopes of reducing the margin but were dealt a sucker blow when Blaydon were awarded a penalty 15 metres out. The ref appeared to be still marking the spot, with the Stags’ players admiring his footwork, when the Georgians’ scrum half took a quick tap behind his back to race between the posts. Try awarded and a 28-5 lead which effectively sealed the proceedings.

Blaydon added another in the right corner before Adam Coates came on for one of his cameo roles where the opposition scrum suddenly starts to go backwards. He did have a chance to score when a loose ball landed at his feet just a few metres out, but he knocked on as he went to gather.

The Stags continued to battle with Butcher getting a deserved second (above) as he picked up from the back of the scrum to race over with Zac adding the extras.

However, Blaydon’s legs were the stronger as the game entered its final quarter and they added three more tries. The Stags did get one back as Alex Barker, called up because of Ollie Webster’s bad back, emerged triumphantly from a forwards’ drive with Zac finishing his side’s scoring.

It was a hard game on a hard surface  to finish the Stags’ season. Regardless, the second string has had an enjoyable campaign with lots of lads in their first season in senior rugby benefitting from the leadership of former first team players .

They have developed a team spirit of their own and great credit must go the senior coaching team, who have shared matchday duties, and, in particula, the likes of Mixie Parker, Graeme Southern, Andy Turner and skipper Martin Todd who have invested a great deal of time and effort in coaching and team management.

And there’s more talented lads coming through for next season.

Stags: Ben Reed, Aaron Pike, Greg Edwards, Martin Todd (capt), Jordan Painter, Zac Southern, Kai Peirse, Jack Angus, Liam Liston, Tim Blades, James Tyers, Jonny Wray, Tom Robertson, Charlie Kay , Scott Butcher.

Reps (all used): Jacob Wood, Adam Coates, Alex Barker, Cameron Mould, Matty Baggs, Dan Robson, Jacob Parker.

Tries: Butcher (2), Barker.

Cons. Southern (2).