Massive credit to all the Stags and the support team of Mixie Parker,  Graeme Southern and Andy and Charlotte Turner.

They can now look forward to taking on the second strings of Tynedale, Morpeth, Boro, Alnwick, Blaydon and Northern - clubs who have all identified their second teams as being a vital part of a successful first XV. A point not lost of the senior coaches who have run training sessions on the basis that there is only one big senior squad.

Thankfully, the reward came on the pitch and not through one of the walkovers,  which all club occasionally have to concede these days.

The Stags started off like a train and had too much forward power for the Boars. Zac Southern sending in Ben Reed for the first try with a crossfield kick. The Boars responding with a great try from their left winger who raced in from his own 22.

However, the Stags’ lead was quickly restored as first Jack Angus forced his way over followed by Nick Bennions in similar fashion (above).

The all-important bonus point try came quickly -  Charlie Kay finishing off a slick move (above) to take the score to 24-7 - allowing his teammates and coaches to relax. Upper Eden taking advantage with another long range try to take the half-time score to 24-14.

The Stags' lead was  quickly increased as Bennions, at number 8 for the injured Tom Shaw,  picked up at the base of the scrum to feed Matt Siddle. He found right winger Curtis Ross who had just enough space to squeeze in at the comer. Sidd adding the extras from the touchline.

The Stags were coasting at 31-14 and brought on a batch of replacements. That was also the cue for the Boars to bring on a bevy of  fit looking chaps,   who hadn’t taken part in the team warm-up and who had been  waiting patiently on the touchline.

The Stags didn’t exactly panic but did manage to gift three interception tries. In between our own first-team “ringer”  Matt Siddle scored his own try of the season. Sidd had started at scrum half, in place of Jacob Parker who had cried off on the morning. Taking the ball just inside his own half he raced up the right wing evading three tackles, while  looking in vain for support. Fortunately he made the corner (left) but was too knackered to attempt the conversion.

With four tries scored in just twelve minutes the Stags were behind for the first time in the game at 40-36.

The cavalry returned, and the Stags did have a good go at regaining the lead with Euan Devonshire felled by a high tackle as he sped up the left wing.

However, the mission had been accomplished and it’s now time to  concentrate  on the Pyman Cup semi-final. Old Boys are  due at Brinkburn next Saturday for a 3.00 kick off.

 Stags: Ben Reed, Curtis Ross, Matt Tyers, Martin Todd, Lewis Scott, Zac Southern, Matt Siddle, Jack Angus, Liam Liston, Adam Hutchinson, Jonny Wray (capt), Nick Bennions, Charlie Kay, Aaron Muir, Tom Shaw.

Reps all used: Fraser Henderson, Euan Devonshire, Aaron Johnston, Tyler Nelson, Aaron Pike, Lewis McLeod, Odin Thorpe, Cain Gaffney, James Tyers.