A first half performance described by Eels Coach Stuart Hogg is "inept at best" cost the Eels dear in the sweltering heat at Basildon.
The Eels held an enthusiastic and young Stags team for the first ten until winger Peter Clarke found his way over the line after a greatr cut-out ball by star half Curtain.
Mistakes by both sides ensured that the lead was not extended until the 21st minute when Clarke's team mate Ross Willoughby went over.
Further tries by Mark Manito and Barry-John Swindells extended the lead with Swindell having a fine day with the boot to take the Stags in at the half 24-0 up.
Eels debutant Charlie Bentley pulled a try back on 55 minutes after both sides again failed to hit their respective straps in the period after the break, but Robinson missed an easy conversion.
The Eels began to push on from here ked by excellent back rowers Dave Rocklliffe and Lee Brown and clever handling by Robinson was finished off with a wonderful dummy from Tony Palmer, with Mike Muir converting.
The Stags hit back after a poor decision to kick deep when the Eels were tiring, through Ellershaw and Andy Curtain finished off a great run by Clarke to score under the posts, leaving giant prop Ellershaw to complete the scoring with a blockbusting run to the line, swatting defenders like flies.
Wykman converted both tries.
Published Wednesday June 9, 2004
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