Hampstead Ladies suffered their second successive defeat in the Women’s Championship South East Division Two, going down 22-7 at Blackheath.

Having won their first three games, Hampstead lost at home against league leaders Old Albanians two weeks ago and they were undone by second-placed Blackheath on Sunday, leaving them third in the table after successive setbacks against their championship rivals.

Hampstead started well and were the first team to cross the whitewash as full-back Lilly Hunt completed a well-timed move from the backs before adding the extra two points herself.

The forwards were completely dominant in the line-outs, but Blackheath began a frantic comeback, exerting a lot of pressure and grabbing two unconverted tries before the break.

The game changed dramatically in the second period, with the Blackheath forwards taking control of the game, leaving Hampstead spending the majority of the half defending on their own try-line – and they managed to break through twice more before the end.

Deborah Crossan was given the forward of the match award and Faye Hamp was named the back of the match.

There was also disappointment for Hampstead Ladies’ second team, who lost 31-7 to top-of-the-table rivals Canterbury.

With Canterbury arriving late and with only 13 players, Hampstead started the game with a lack of focus, allowing their opponents to take an early lead.

Just before half-time, winger Sarah Milner gathered Annie Liddiard’s kick and dotted down, and Liddiard kicked the conversion to narrow the gap to 19-7 at the break.

Hampstead woke up in the second half while their defence improved – and ferocious tackling from forward of the match Anne Rodenburgh and excellent handling from back of the match Rachel Simpson ensured Canterbury had to work hard to earn their final points.

Both teams are playing cup games in their next outings on November 16. The ladies’ first XV will be away at Hove while the second string host Teddington.