Belsize Park kept up the pressure on the top two in Herts Middlesex League division two (south) with a flawless win over Uxbridge on Saturday. Park, who were playing their first league match of the New Year, opted to play into the wind in the first half

Belsize Park kept up the pressure on the top two in Herts Middlesex League division two (south) with a flawless win over Uxbridge on Saturday.

Park, who were playing their first league match of the New Year, opted to play into the wind in the first half but that did not stop Will Drewe from kicking an early penalty.

Excellent defence first from Greg Jenkins to judo-throw his man to the ground and dislodge the ball in the corner, and then from Johnny Harrison to hold an opponent up over the try-line, kept Uxbridge out.

In the second half, early Belsize pressure and repeated infringements from Uxbridge gave the home side a penalty.

Park opted to run the ball with Richard Wokes dodging numerous players before being brought down just short of the line.

But the weight of several Park forwards hitting the maul allowed him to wriggle free and score.

Drewe added the conversion to put Park on double figures - for what proved an unassailable lead.

"Everyone put in a huge effort and undoubtedly came off nursing a few bruises, especially Tim Allen, who was as popular as ever with the opposition and had a nice swollen face to prove it," said skipper Ian Deay.

"Picking a man of the match was very hard with such a good team performance but it goes to Sven Cropp, who got around the park very well and stole a lot of ball. This win sets us up well for the second half of the season."

Belsize currently lie third in the table on 12 points with a game in hand over Feltham, who are two points ahead in second place - occupying the play-off spot.

Kilburn Cosmos remain top after eight wins from eight games, giving them 16 points.

Belsize travel to struggling British Airways tomorrow week.

Belsize Park squad: Smart, I Deay, Dixie, Taylor, Hannafin, Jiff, Cropp, Allen, Geary, Harrison, Wade-Jones, Wokes, Godsell, M Deay, Wilson, Drewe, Batty, Jenkins.

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