Hampstead 3 Tabard 27 HAMPSTEAD failed to build on their opening day victory and crashed to defeat against Tabard in their Division Two clash at the Heath Extension on Saturday. Ali Halsall s outfit were intent on building on last week s emphatic 29-22 wi

Hampstead 3

Tabard 27

HAMPSTEAD failed to build on their opening day victory and crashed to defeat against Tabard in their Division Two clash at the Heath Extension on Saturday.

Ali Halsall's outfit were intent on building on last week's emphatic 29-22 win over St Albans, but failed to get to grips with Tabard's attack.

Hampstead were rocked when the visitors opened the scoring with an unconverted try in the fifth minute and kept up the pressure to run in another two tries before the break. In the second half Tabard refused to let Hampstead off the hook and ran out comfortable winners.

"It was a disappointing day to say the least," Halsall said.

"We have had a number of injuries, including one in the warm up which reduced the bulk up front. However, there is no excuse for the poor defensive display and the basic handling.

"I said to the lads after the match that this was a day to remember, not forget, as we will need to use this experience to put us back to the level we all know we can play."

Tabard were quickly ahead with an unconverted try to lead 5-0 and three minutes later had the chance to add to their lead with a penalty that they failed to convert.

The visitors kept up the pressure and were soon rewarded with a converted try to lead 12-0. Once again Tabard had the chance to swiftly add to their tally when they were awarded a brace of penalties, but missed both attempts.

Nevertheless Tabard refused to be ruffled and kept their composure to cross the line for a third time for a try that was not converted to lead 17-0 at the break.

In the second half Halsall attempted to bolster the forward pack, with Andy Henderson taking over from James Nolan, but slack tackling from the Hampstead backs allowed Tabard to bag a converted try to lead 24-0.

Hampstead attempted to rally and Damien Naughton briefly raised hopes when he slotted a penalty to avoid a whitewash.

But that was as good as it got for the home side as Tabard remained solid and slotted a late penalty.

Hampstead attempt to get their season back on track with a local derby, away to UCS Old Boys on Saturday.

Hampstead squad: Nolan, Palmer, Paul, Griffiths, Kowal, Templer, Perkins, Henwood, MacTurk, Naughton, Loakman, Jenkins, Evans, Van Bosch, Craigs, Henderson, Aygeton, Philpott.