MARKET Rasen & Louth RUFC, building up to their new season in the RFU's Midlands Two East (North) in just over a week, drew 19-19 with Matlock in a friendly at Willingam Road.

Matlock, from a level above Rasen, started strongly, their mauling forwards keeping the ball tight and driving Rasen backwards.

But an early turnover found its way to Peter Everton, who sprinted around a bemused defence to score under the posts, leaving an easy conversion for debutant fly-half Owen Donovan.

Within five minutes the visitors were on level terms as the pack forced their way over the Rasen line, leaving a tricky conversion from wide out which the kicker struck with aplomb.

Indiscipline led to a Matlock penalty instead of the restart but they were unable to capitalise.

The Rasen forwards began to get the upper hand as they made their way upfield with close interplay and drives, which have been the trademark of the last two seasons.

The pack released the ball to the backs with Chris Green hitting a hole in the opposition defence, only to be tap tackled.

However, in an acrobatic somersault, the fullback rolled through 360 degrees to touch down. Donovan added the conversion.

Rasen launched another attack with forwards and backs combining well. A poor pass to Houghton was superbly gathered by the winger, who then delivered a perfect pass to the marauding lock Rob Mitchell, who charged over the line close to the corner.

The Derbyshire side hit back and after some stout defence, a switch of play resulted in the Matlock winger finding himself in a clear overlap to score wide out to make the interval score 19-12 to Rasen.

The second half lacked the intensity of the first as several promising attacks came to nought and the patterns of play were disrupted by the high number of substitutions.

With time running out, Matlock drilled a penalty into touch close to the Rasen line and from the lineout, the visitors' pack forced their way over for the only try of the half.

The pressure conversion limped over the bar and Matlock were level, which was probably a fair reflection of the game.