BELSIZE Park were thumped by second-placed HAC at Regent s Park on Saturday despite keeping tabs on their high-flying visitors for the bulk of the first half. HAC started well and were soon ahead with a converted try. BP refused to capitulate and hit back

BELSIZE Park were thumped by second-placed HAC at Regent's Park on Saturday despite keeping tabs on their high-flying visitors for the bulk of the first half.

HAC started well and were soon ahead with a converted try.

BP refused to capitulate and hit back with a series of penetrating runs from the back row, resulting in a brace of penalties, the first missed but the second converted.

The hosts continued to push forward, only for the ball to be turned over to the HAC full-back who ran the length of the pitch to score in the corner.

BP rallied and Greg Jenkins scored under the posts, which was coverted by Mark Liebling, only for HAC to reply with a converted try to lead 19-10 at the break.

BP cut the deficit to 19-13 after the restart with a penalty from Conor Richardson.

HAC hit back, crossing the line twice, before BP were forced to reshuffle after the loss of the scrum half due to illness.

HAC took full advantage of the momentary disarray to extend their lead and take the points.