Hampstead Ladies suffer fifth successive league defeat despite spirited comeback

Hampstead Ladies suffered their fifth successive league defeat despite a spirited second-half comeback as they went down 22-19 away against Romford & Gidea Park in Women’s Championship South-East Division Two.

The visitors struggled at the set piece and found themselves 12-0 down at half-time, but the second period saw a remarkable turnaround in term of possession and organisation.

When Hampstead won a turnover in their own 22, Lilly Hunt kicked the ball long and then gathered it to run in for a try.

Romford replied with another score of their own, but Alex Bowtell helped to earn another turnover and, after good hands through the back line, Faye Hamp beat the defence to go over the line and close the gap to 17-12.

A number of penalties and mistakes allowed Romford to increase their cushion again but, with just a few minutes left, Hampstead’s forwards went through the phases and Kiki Oyemhen dived over the ruck to touch down and narrow the deficit to 22-19. Unfortunately they were unable to find another score to tie or win the match.

Hunt was named the back of the match, having started at fly-half for the first time, while the forward of the match award went to Maria Lopez for her defensive line speed and tackling.

Hampstead have a double header at home at the weekend, on Feburary 8, as the first XV host Ashford and the second team host Thurrock’s reserves.

Meanwhile, Hampstead’s men were defeated 18-12 away at second-placed Chiswick and lie seventh in London North-West Division Two.