Derby defeat woes

With Sleaford scoring four tries, they narrowed the gap to four points between the sides that lie second and third from the bottom.

Yet again, player unavailability and injuries made selection a challenge for coaches Mark Bean and Mark Cleaver.

Despite this, Boston started positively, with back row Alex Roberts prominent in loose play and racking up the tackle count.

Boston had an early setback when number eight Dan Halliday was forced to leave the pitch due to a shoulder injury after 11 minutes, bringing George Sharp off the bench.

It would be the visitors who scored first, when a cross field kick by Tom Andrews was caught by winger Chris Cook.

He was held up just before the line, but second row Mathew Dean collected the ball and scored.

Sleaford responded by scoring a converted try to take the lead after 19 minutes.

A further try saw Sleaford extend their lead to 5-14 at half time.

During the second half Boston, to their credit, never gave up.

A penalty by Tom Andrews and a try by centre Chris Kellok saw Boston unable to narrow the deficit as Sleaford scored two further tries to end up winners.

Boston’s travel to face Chesterfield this Saturday, look for much-needed points.

BOSTON: Scupham, Dowse, Lane, Eldin, Dean, Roberts, Lawson, Halliday, Laidlaw, T. Andrews, Cook, Kellok, J. Andrews, Paul, Stanfield; Replacements: Baldwin, Sharp, Beard.