The Stags hosted Southwell at Leicester Road expecting a tough game having been pushed all the way in the reverse fixture in Nottinghamshire in early November. This was the first of a tough run of games to end the season, so the Stags were looking for a strong performance.

Hinckley settled well and scored the first try of the game within the first two minutes. Dylan Weddle made a strong break up the middle and several phases of play later Alex Norris jogged unopposed into the left hand corner from Kristian Powell’s long pass. Powell slotted the touchline conversion with an excellent kick.

The second try arrived in almost identical fashion, with full-back Josh Leonard the willing recipient. The ball was moved from touchline to touchline to stretch the Southwell defence out of position to give Leonard the simplest of tasks. Powell again slotted the touchline conversion for a 14-0 lead. Hinckley’s phase play was outstanding during this opening period, combining strong forward carries with slick handling in the backline to breakdown a well organised Southwell defence.

Tyler Moseley was the next to benefit from our bright start to score his second try in as many league matches for the Stags. Moseley showed good strength to hold off two defenders to touchdown to the right of the posts. Powell continued his good form to extend the lead further.

The bonus point was then secured by the league’s top try scorer, Connor Nixon, who used his strength and pace to beat the covering defence. Powell’s conversion took the score to 28-0, which is how it remained until the interval.

Within minutes of the restart, Norris had his second try of the game thanks to some unselfish work from George Marsden. Marsden probably could have scored himself, but he made sure of the score by moving the ball early to Norris in space who finished in style. Powell added the extras. Shortly after Hinckley turned to their bench with James Moreton and Ben Pegler both making their return from injury in place of Joe Hyett and Connor Nixon.

Southwell started to get more of a foothold in the game and after a penalty was kicked to the corner, they rolled a maul over the Hinckley line for an unconverted try. The Stags hit back through Craig Bresland, who drove over from close range for another converted score. The score at this point was 42-5, but neither team were finished yet.

Hyett returned to the team in place of Ben Deacon, who had an excellent game in the loose, with Luke Johnson moving to hooker. Norris completed his hat trick from close range when Powell and Leonard moved the ball blind at speed to find the elusive winger in space. Norris still had a bit to do and stepped inside two defenders to race under the posts. Powell’s conversion was a formality and Hinckley were close to the 50 point mark.

Nixon came back onto the field as a blood replacement for Marsden who had taken a hit to the head. Within four minutes he was on the scoresheet again. This time taking a Powell cross field kick one handed from the grasps of the Southwell winger to race over the line. Powell’s conversion slid past the post. 54-5, with minutes to play.

Southwell ended the game with their second try. Their scrum half took advantage of a mix up in midfield to sprint in from 50 metres. The conversion was missed and this signalled the end of the game. 54-10 in Hinckley’s favour.

This was probably the Stags most comprehensive 80 minute performance. While we have possibly performed better in stages in other games, we haven’t managed to put it together for the full duration of a match. Next week we host Ilkeston, which will be another tough encounter.

MAN OF THE MATCH: Tom Robinson’s defence was rock solid and he led the way with several huge hits. Jacob Drabble was everywhere again, like every good 7 should be. Powell’s kicking off the tee was flawless and Norris scored a well deserved hat trick. However, Josh Leonard takes the accolade for an assured display at full-back, showing excellent handling and some strong forays into the backline.