Hampstead sparkle in the gloom to down leaders Belsize Park

In an enthralling encounter marred only by the cold, lashing rain and biting wind, both sides put on a terrific display with remarkably few handling errors given the atrocious conditions.

The victory over the leaders gave Hampstead a five-point win over a top-two side for the second week running.

Things had started well for Belsize, with a period of sustained pressure leading to an early try that was handsomely converted from near the touchline.

But Hampstead responded a quarter of an hour later with a quick brace to make it 12-7.

Mitch Daniel drew Hampstead level when he ripped the ball from his own winger to dot down.

And when Belsize lost the ball forwards in midfield, centre Pete Bicknell launched a counter-attack that saw Ajayi Olefumi eventually barge over for a five-pointer.

The visitors held their nerve and continued to kick for territory, a tactic that paid off just before half-time as they crossed for their second converted try to go into the break leading 14-12.

Hampstead were the stronger at the start of the second half and when Belsize were penalised for illegal entry into a ruck, fly-half Arthur Haynes cut a neat line to score under the posts.

Harper added the two points to snatch back the lead at 19-14, but Belsize scored a third try after another period of sustained pressure.

And, with around 10 minutes to go, they looked set to grind out their 10th win of the season, but from a scrum on the edge of the Belsize 22m, Hampstead secured possession and some excellent quick-thinking by fly-half Haynes saw him deft kicked behind the defence for Brooks to score.

There was more drama to come, however, as Hampstead missed a penalty and were denied a fifth try.

In a last-gasp drive, Belsize ran the ball out of defence, only to knock-on close to Hampstead’s line.

The win moved Hampstead up to fifth, level with fourth-placed Welwyn.