But they were brought back down to earth with a bump by the classy Nottingham side who overran them in the first 40 minutes.

In beautiful surroundings and glorious sunshine, Tows’ usual intensity was missing and they quickly went behind to two penalties from fly half Danny Gravey.

They then failed to secure their own line out ball from four consecutive five metre penalties, which set the tone for their performance.

Soon after they were chasing Paviours left wing who raced away to score. Gravey converted.

Then the floodgates opened with the hosts crossing for three tries in five minutes. Centre George Billam scored twice and the pack drove over for the third.

A verbal battering from coach Darren Snook at half-time had the desired effect and Tows now took the game to their hosts.

They moved a penalty in front of the posts and fullback Matt Yuill squeezed over in the corner.

They missed two further clear chances but seemed to have limited Paviours to a single penalty in order to win the half.

But right at the death, the hosts escaped from their own half to score their fifth try and Gravey converted with the final kick of the game.

Tows play Olney in the Lewis Shield on Tuesday night (KO 7.30pm) and face Leighton Buzzard at Greens Norton Road on Saturday.