Hampstead’s Ladies dropped into second place after losing their top-of-the-table clash at home against Blackheath on Sunday, going down 20-7 in the Women’s Championship South-East Division Two.

Knowing it would be a tough game, Hampstead came out with a great fighting spirit, and they dominated the line-outs from the whistle, while some huge tackles kept their visitors away from the try-line.

Eventually Blackheath broke through the resolute defence, scoring down the flank to establish a 5-0 lead – Hampstead were then pinned in their own 22 for much of the first half, conceding another two tries down the sides to trail 15-0 at the interval.

Hampstead had the wind behind them in the second half and they managed to play more open rugby, and started using the boot and the wings more effectively.

Elin Hywel was excelling in the forwards, while Ruth Burns was enjoying a strong display in the backs – and Robyn Drake raced down the wing to score a try that was converted by Kerrie Tuck.

But despite great work at both ends of the field, Hampstead couldn’t convert their other opportunities and close the gap further – and they were forced to accept defeat. The sides meet again in the return fixture in two weeks’ time.