THE visit of newly promoted local rivals Mansfield gave Matlock the ideal opportunity to improve on the previous week's disappointing display at Leighton Buzzard.

With a large crowd of vice-presidents at the Meadows and real rugby weather for once it was the visitors who began the game the better, with Matlock lacking any pattern and momentum.

It was no surprise when Mansfield took the lead.

A poor Matlock clearance kick was punished when the ball was moved well for the Mansfield winger to touch down in the corner.

Mansfield continued to dominate with sustained pressure and full-back Alex Powell used his speed to prevent a further score when he scampered back to clear.

Matlock continued to absorb the pressure and only a tight defensive line kept Mansfield from extending the lead.

Matlock eventually found some rhythm, but poor support play and handling let them down until fly-half David Hartley took them into a scoring position for the first time in the game with a nicely weighted kick into the corner.

Possession was secured and winger Chris Buckley made ground before Hartley was again involved and gave Powell the chance to level the score with a well worked try.

This was quickly followed by a typical drive by the forwards where prop Jonny Bunting was unlucky not to score.

James Cooper, a colossus throughout, was on hand to finish off another forward drive following a scrum close to the line to give Matlock the lead.

As half time approached Matlock put together the best movement of the game when the ball moved through numerous pairs of hands before a last ditch tackle saved the visitors.

Matlock took their new found form in to the second period and went on the attack from the outset.

A penalty took Matlock into the corner where the eternal Rob Poyser gained possession and set up yet another powerful forward drive from which Cooper was again on hand to power over.

Scrum-half James Young calmly slotted the extra points to take Matlock into a 17-5 lead.

Mansfield began to get back into the game and mounted their own forward drive to score and narrow the lead.

But Matlock came back and another kick into the corner was rewarded with a try for captain David Ball, who was on hand after another home pack assault close to the line.

Young added the conversion, and although the remainder of the game was all Matlock but the cold wet weather led to handling errors and prevented any further scores.

This was a distinct improvement, but Matlock will need to take their chances and sharpen up their handling at promotion favourites Scunthorpe this weekend.