Downing’s rugby team continued their abject form on Tuesday after suffering their third straight defeat to a Magdalene side who many expected to be desperately fighting relegation this season.

The first division new boys ground out victory against a Downing side who lacked any form of clinical edge and defensive capability. With only Trinity performing worse in the league at the moment, Downing will be concerned that on current form they and not Magdalene will be favourites for the drop come December.

Despite scoring two tries in the first half on Tuesday, Downing were never able to make their superior possession count despite having a try harshly disallowed in the second half for a forward pass in the move which would have led to Williams scoring underneath the posts.

Elsewhere Trinity look certain to go down at the end of the season having suffered yet another heavy loss. Tuesday’s was at the hands of the Redboys.

John’s put 59 points on hapless Trinity, who have now conceded 170 points in four games, scoring only 8. Such figures are almost comic and while Trinity were always likely to struggle this season, few could have imagined they would have performed quite as poorly as they have.

The result would have pleased John’s captain Mathonwy Thomas who will be looking to put last week’s disappointment behind him as his team attempt to catch leaders Jesus by clawing back a place against Queens’ next week.