Hampstead are falling away from the play-off fight

Thursday, March 14, 2013
9:30 AM

London Division 2 North-West:

Hampstead 22 London Nigerian 27

Hampstead’s hopes of promotion are dwindling as their third defeat from four games saw them drop to fourth place.

Hampstead were just two points outside the second-placed play-off spot in mid-February, but they now trail Hemel Hempstead by 14 points – and Chiswick overtook them at the weekend.

The home side went behind in the fifth minute when Phil Carr was unable to collect a chipped kick over the defence, but he responded with two quick tries at the other end.

The lead did not last long as London Nigerian scored their second try before half-time – and they added another two scores after the break after kicking into the corner and driving over the line.

Hampstead hit back with two tries of their own, but the visitors got the decisive fifth try as they kicked into the corner once again and forced their way over the line from a driving maul.

Meanwhile, UCS suffered a 41-7 home defeat against the league leaders, Tabard, who were 34-0 up at the interval.

UCS drew the second half 7-7 after a try from Matt Jacabs, which was converted by Mark Forth, and their coach Carl Bradshaw said: “Our spirit in the second half and the cohesive rugby we played showed that we have enough to beat the sides around us, who are also fighting to stay up.”

Elsewhere, in London Division Three North-West, an injury-hit Haringey Rhinos side went down 71-3 away at Welwyn, with their only score being Olly Wollaston’s first-half penalty kick.