A DISCIPLINED and controlled performance guided Market Rasen & Louth RUFC to a fine 38-5 home win against Loughborough.

Rasen were too strong for their rivals, who were out for revenge at Willingham Road having suffered a one-point defeat in the reverse Midlands One East fixture earlier this season.

The bonus-point victory will give the Red and Greens – now seventh in the table – a lot of self-belief for the rest of the campaign.

Paul Cook struck the woodwork from a penalty early on amid a stuttering start for the hosts.

In the 23rd minute, Rasen skipper Dave Starling opted to reject a kick at goal and instead kick a penalty into touch to initiate the catch and drive.

The brave decision was rewarded when his brother Chris emerged triumphant after being driven over the line.

But Loughborough were level within four minutes when centre James Buckley burst through before setting up winger Steve Sands to cross the whitewash.

The visitors were on the back foot when a poor pass forced fly-half Sam Whiting to concede a five-metre scrum.

And the dominance of the Rasen pack allowed flanker Ben Chamberlin to touch down. Cook added the conversion.

After finishing the opening half on the offensive, Rasen continued to impress in the second period.

Chamberlin went on a long run but the move looked to have broken down when a loose pass went to ground.

But the Red and Green support was first to the ball and, with Loughborough's defence in disarray, Dave Starling cantered over.

Cook slotted the conversion.

Chris Starling thought he was the next to cross the whitewash, but the referee ruled out the try.

From the scrum, however, a series of drives followed before Chamberlin made the touchdown.

Chris Starling registered his second try of the match after capitalising on a spilled Loughborough pass.

And the unrelenting Rasen pressure then prompted another error from the visitors – from the scrum, number eight Dave Starling crashed over. Cook's reliable boot added the conversion.

On Saturday, Rasen travel to Ilkeston, who are fifth in the league.