Boston 0 Amber Valley 13

Despite slipping to their fifth straight league defeat in Midlands Three Easy (North) there were encouraging signs for the home support that a first victory is just around the corner.

Playing a team currently ranked fourth in the table, there proved to be little between the two sides. What Amber Valley had coming into the game, was a confidence of three wins under their belt and for the home side, while searching for that first win, as often in these situations, the bounce of the ball and at times trying to force play, was against them.

The key difference in the match, proved to be the Amber Valley forwards, who played a limited but effective power game plan.

Both tries in the match, were a result of their strong scrum, which saw the visitors enter half time 13-0 up, via two tries and one penalty.

While there were no further scores in the second half, there were brief periods where the blue and whites came close to scoring, and on two occasions players were held up over the whitewash.

Two players had to retire due to injuries in the second half, prop Iain Sampson and full back Adrian Hart, who were replaced by Kenny Doig and Liam Smith respectfully.

Team Manager Tim Bembridge, will look to build on this performance and that players retain their availability, to ensure some consistency in selection which has been sadly missing during the last few weeks.

In the forwards Jason Pedley in the second row made an impressive home debut.

Next week Boston play in the second round of the EDF cup competition against Market Deeping, at home (2.30pm).

Boston XV: I Sampson, C Dowse, A Buckberry, J Pedley, N Lane, M Miles, R Linnell, A Kemp, P Cumber, J Paylin, J Brooks, M Sharman, M Dean, A Hart, S Rasytinis, J Cleaver. Replacements: K Doig, L Smith, M Mitchell

Boston's Development team secured a narrow, hard-fought 21-19 victory over Amber Valley.

Centre Simon Cooke scored in the first half and fly-half John Macpherson addied a brace in the second. Next week they play Bourne away.