The game had an extra edge, and not just because Tows had come out second best when they travelled to Market Rasen earlier in the season.

The landlord of The Plough in Towcester, Nick Hastings, is a former president of Market Rasen and had promised to lay on a free barrel of beer if Tows won.

Playing with the wind at their backs, Tows scored through full back Matt Yuill and fly half James Falvey in the first half.

Turning round 14-0 up to face the elements, they also faced an onslaught from the visitor’s pack who scrummaged their way back into the game.

But the visitor’s main attacking gambit of picking and driving was contained by the solid Tows defence.

Tows fitness became a telling factor and further tries came through winger Adam Wilkinson and scrumhalf Chrissie George to give the backs a clean sweep. Falvey converted all four tries.