Horncastle kicked-off to start a very tight game that was dictated by two ferocious defences.

Early Horncastle attacks were rewarded with a penalty, kicked by outside half Paul File, and three points.

Barton responded by collecting their own kick-off and charging deep into the Horncastle half, but Horncastle's aggressive defence caused a turnover ball and now the pressure was back on Barton.

A series of poor clearance kicks by Barton gave Horncastle the position they needed.

The forwards now latched on to an attacking run by man of the match Kev Williams and drove him over to score, 8-0.

The Barton pack struck back and finally pierced the Horncastle defence to score, but the conversion was missed to make it 8-5 at half-time.

Horncastle's commitment in defence was taking its toll with Eric Jenkins being taken to hospital with a dislocated elbow.

In the second half Horncastle rued their missed penalties as Barton levelled the scores 8-8.

Mark Berger and Jake Pryor held strong in Horncastle's defence, but it was a super little chip and chase that opened up Horncastle and let in Barton to score.

The simple conversion was missed to make it 13-8 to Barton.

The club would like to thank their sponsor, GW Plastering, for supplying the match ball.