MARKET Rasen & Louth RUFC aim to bounce back from last weekend's 47-24 defeat against Matlock when they take on Old Northamptonians on Saturday.
Currently lying third in the Midlands One East (North) table, Old Northamptonians will be making their first ever visit to Willingham Road (3pm).
With three games remaining, one further point would mathematically ensure Rasen remain in this division.
However, in reality, only Spalding out of the three sides sat in the relegation zone could equal the Lincolnshire side's current tally of 50 points.
In their previous game, the Red and Greens travelled to Matlock for a rearranged fixture where the arena was surrounded by hillsides still displaying evidence of the previous week's heavy snowfall.
Moving the game to the Easter weekend robbed the side of several players with alternative plans, but those who stepped up showed their mettle and played with spirit.
Early in the game, Peter Everton skilfully retrieved a bobbling ball to show Matlock a clean pair of heels as he ran in under the posts from 40 metres. Full-back Matt Sutton added the conversion.
Matlock hit back when flanker Rob Glover scored in the corner.
Young unleashed a howitzer that pushed Matlock deep into Red and Green territory.
Matlock made no mistake with their catch and drive as they bundled Rasen over the line with Young completing the punishment with a fine conversion.
From the restart, Matlock moved the ball wide and the sheer pace of winger Henry Packard made him uncatchable as he flew in for another try for the home side. Young added the conversion.
With the last play of the half, Packard turned provider as he sliced through to set up a score for fellow winger Whittaker. Young rounded things off with another conversion to put Matlock 26-7 up at the interval.
Matlock opened the scoring in the second period when Packard chipped over and used his pace to scoot in under the posts, leaving Young with an easy conversion.
There soon followed a long break as Everton took a heavy tackle and landed awkwardly. He was eventually helped to his feet and left the field with an injury that may have curtailed his season.
Leigh Dearden and Chris Starling both scored second-half tries for Rasen, but Matlock added to their points tally – with Young continuing his kicking masterclass.
