CS are back in 7th in the league; just in the top half following this very close contest, having survived a second half yellow card. The ten-minute mark was crucial in both the first and second halves resulting in each case in a CS try.
CS kicked off the match, and after conceding a penalty the visitors had an attacking lineout in a promising position but the Stags turned over the ball, and held firm in a defending scrum. CS then had a short period of pressure at the other, and on 10 minutes were awarded a penalty. Scrum half Adam Nixon tapped and sped off. When his path was impeded he popped the ball to No 8 Tom Williams who had a short distance to the line to score. Tom Hodgson converted 7 – 0. Sidcup fought back with determination and after half an hour opted to kick a penalty which was successful, but almost immediately CS did the same at the other end with Tom Hodgson converting. 10 – 3 which was also the half time score. Sidcup started the half strongly, and the Stags whilst defending their line conceded a penalty. 10 – 6. Just as ten minutes had proved crucial in the first half so it was to be in the second. Like before when CS were awarded a penalty, this time in the middle of the pitch, Adam Nixon again tapped and his first pass was to second row Will Scott, who made good ground. When he found wing James Houstoun on his left shoulder he made the successful pass and Houstoun completed the short run to the line to score 17 – 6. Half way through the second half The Stags were under concerted Sidcup pressure. They conceded a penalty in front of the posts as well as losing second row Tom Proctor to the bin for ten minutes. Sidcup duly converted the penalty. 17 – 9. Whilst down to 14 men more pressure from Sidcup resulted in a score by the posts. 17 – 16, rendering the last ten minutes critical to both sides. The first penalty opportunity to CS probably should have resulted in a kick for goal, but did not. However the next opportunity, although further out was attempted but was short and too low. Both sides defended well during the last moments of the match, giving CS victory and a much needed losing bonus point to Sidcup.

Next week there is a break for Six Nations Internationals followed by an away trip to Hertford.