Match Reports 21st-22nd March 2026

2nd TEAM

SCUNTHORPE 39 – NOTTINGHAM CASUALS 32

The Stags were coming off a great run of form into this tough encounter with Notts Casuals who had beaten them twice already this season, so they had a massive point to prove. They did so but with what can only be described as ‘squeaky bum time’ at the end of the game.

The home side started well, after five minutes with a try from the influential Lewis Meyer. Scunthorpe stole a Notts line out, the ball went right and a barnstorming run from Jack Warr set up No8 Meyer, Henry Dawson converted, 7-0.

In 13 minutes the visitors responded with a well worked try, their long striding wing three-quarter Niall O’Kane stretching the defence, James Wood converted, 7-7.

A serious review of tactics was required as the Stags kicking game played right into the hands of the pacey Notts backs, minutes later Wood secured a simple 3-point penalty as Scunthorpe were penalised for offside, 7-10,Guy Mychajluk.

Henry Dawson scored and converted his own try after 21 minutes, Notts kicked deep but the ball went dead which gave a scrum to Scunthorpe, they went left and Billy Hardy scampered down the wing, the ball was recycled and Dawson, backing up scored, 14-10.

Notts responded with another penalty converted by Wood, 14-13.

Scunthorpe responded well with a try from Keir Gosling on the half hour mark, Scunthorpe stole a line out counter attack with a quick ball along the line, Kier touching down in the corner, the conversion went wide as the Stags went into half time 19-13 in the lead.

Straight after the kick-off, Billy Hardy was denied a try as he placed the ball down over the line however the referee was not within sight so gave no try.

A penalty came shortly after converted by Henry Dawson, 22-13, almost from the kick-off Captain Hardy got his just reward as he touched down in the corner, this time the match official was on the ball.

It came from a Scunthorpe scrum on the 10m line, the ball went along the line with quick hands to allow Hardy to scamper across right in the corner, 27-13.

The Stags stretched their lead after 51 minutes when Henry Dawson scored his second try,  it came from a penalty to Scunthorpe the ball went wide after an initial cock-up Dawson dashed over for his brace, 32-13.

Scunthorpe were now in command and the Notts fellas looked down and out, it looked like the home side could develop this into a rout.

This was exemplified when on 57 minutes Matthew Mason crashed over after an excellent run from Coel Gosling, backed up by young prop Ben Dealtry who brushed off two players to feed the supporting hooker Mason, Henry Dawson converted, 39-13.

Just when it looked like the Stags were going for the kill on 60 minutes Notts came back with a mini revival, there was a mismatch in midfield with everybody out of position when the long striding Casuals 2nd row Isaac Pricen galloped 50m to score a great individual try, the conversion was missed, 39-18.

Suddenly Notts were on a roll and in the next 12 minutes scored two further converted tries to gain two bonus points.

Towards the end the Scunthorpe boys were clinging on for dear life and to be fair found some composure to see out the game by playing possession rugby in the opposition 22.

Final score Scunthorpe 39- Notts Casuals 32.

The Stags were extremely pleased to hear the final whistle and over 80 minutes the score reflected their superiority. However, the win is slightly marred by the way they allowed Notts back into the game at the end to claim those two bonus points.

Next week Stags are on the road when they visit Coalville for the first time.

Mom – TBC

Photos from Paddy McDonald and Bill and Maria Photography

 DEVELOPMENT

DRIFFIELD 12 – SCUNTHORPE 48

The Devs travelled up to Driffield as they continued to look to solidify a top four finish in the league, it would have to some through some hard work as Driffield sat top of the table 10 points in front.

The match kicked off and was underway and Scunthorpe came out looking to set a marker with a quick penalty successfully converted by Tom Fell, their relentless pressure was awarded with a try through fullback Cam Ogg who used his pace to get past the defence and score the first try of the match.

Scunthorpe would grab another, with some excellent hands, they broke the Driffield defence and found an overlap on the outside, a simple pass to Keiron Riley saw Scunthorpe take a huge advantage early on 

Driffield would try and get some points on the board but a resolute Scunthorpe defence kept them out, the travelling side would add another 2 tries from wingers Jamie Corney and Robbie Johnson to secure the try bonus point in the first half.

HT Scunthorpe 24- Driffield 0

The second half was underway and Scunthorpe continued to add more tries this time coming from centre Cam James, a break through the defence saw Cam burst through and dive over to socre his first of the match.

Driffield would finally get some points on the board and it came from a flat pass breaking the line, Scunthorpe tried to kepp Driffield out as best as they could but the numbers game was too much and Driffield went over to score their first of the match, conversion was unsuccessful.

Scunthorpe would answer back with another two tries, the first would come from Cam Ogg again after a clearance kick was caught by Cam who ran around the winger and run the length of the pitch to score his second.

The next try came from Gui Abreu, a kick forward saw the Driffield player on the back foot, the ball bounces kindly for Gui who jots it down for Scunthorpes seventh try of the game.

Driffield added one more try and it came from Scunthorpes only mistake, a penalty conceded was argued back to ref who sent Scunthorpe back another 10, a couple of phases more and Driffield went over to score their second.

Scunthorpe would grab the last try and it would come from scrum half Liam Barret who chips it over the defence and regathers his own kick to score the final try of the match.

Full time and the match ended 48-12 to Scunthorpe.

Mom – Liam Barrett

Match report written by Charley Wilkinson