Hampstead suffered their second successive loss after a 34-24 home defeat against Harpenden in London North-West Division Two on Saturday.

The hosts fielded a relatively inexperienced team but nonetheless played their part in an entertaining and fierce contest.

Ben Suddell enjoyed a fine performance on his return to the first team, while Chris Groves put in a strong display in the front row and captain Andy McEwan was a warrior from beginning to end.

Dan Dimoline, Mike Redfern and Dave Corridan touched down for Hampstead but Will Pettit’s try was the pick of the bunch and will live long in the memory as the home side worked their way from their own posts to score in the corner at the other end.

However, the hosts were beaten by 10 points and now turn their attention to Saturday’s trip to struggling Old Merchant Taylors’ in their penultimate game of the season.