The final score belies the tension of the game - expertly marshaled by Daventry referee Pete Lyes - which was hotly contested by Ilkeston.

Prop John Causebrook shook off an illness to anchor the Tows scrum – and his pack began at fever pitch.

In the opening minutes, the home eight twice drove Ilkeston over their own line, but Tows were unable to realise either opportunity.

Moving the to the ball to the backs, scything runs from decoys and ball carriers released Chrissie George to score. James Falvey converted.

Ilkeston were straight back into the game and a mismatch between fast footed backs and Tows forwards saw their right wing screech over.

Producing quick ball at the breakdown and with the score standing at just 7-5, llkeston looked capable of dishing out an upset at Greens Norton Road.

But a beautifully balanced run from lock Sam Sturley prised open the visitors’ defence and he shimmied over to make it 14-5, Falvey converting again.

Towcester then added the try of the game, moving the ball through forwards and backs, to put George in space and they turned round 19-5 up.

Ilkeston flew out of the blocks at the restart, and threw the kitchen sink at Tows.

Their fly half James Connelly sliced through the Tows’ defence towards the posts for a certain try but inexplicably ignored his support.

Full back Falvey cut him down and immediately went on the attack, outpacing the cover to score and convert his own try to make it 26-5.

Ilkeston lost a second prop to injury for the scrums to go uncontested and negate Tows superiority up front.

Rediscovering their tackling form however, the hosts continued to thwart the Ilkeston attack and cut loose at the end.

Replacement full back Matt Yuill scored twice and imposing centre Dave Williams earned a try for this hard work.

The double over Ilkeston cements Tows’ position at fourth in the Midlands 1 East table and marks their eighth successive League win.

They travel to Paviours in Nottingham on Saturday, looking to reverse the loss they suffered at home earlier in the season.