Hampstead came within a score of victory against Enfield Ignatians in Saturday's thrilling London League division three (north west) clash on the Heath Extension. Hampstead president Roger Dearling was pleased to see his side respond from last week's

Hampstead came within a score of victory against Enfield Ignatians in Saturday's thrilling London League division three (north west) clash on the Heath Extension.

Hampstead president Roger Dearling was pleased to see his side respond from last week's "slaughtering" to Datchworth and described their latest effort as "much more encouraging".

Dearling added: "The game was pretty even. We had a slight edge on passing and our forwards showed a lot of fire."

Yet, it was Enfield who took the lead with a converted try under the posts before a drop goal from Jamie Goldberg and a converted try from Richard Williams gave the home side a 10-7 lead at half-time.

Enfield hit back after the break, kicking a penalty and then running in two unconverted tries out wide from close range.

Hampstead started to turn the screw in the final 15 minutes and were rewarded with a penalty-try under the posts which Matt McTurk - forced to play at stand-off - converted.

But it wasn't enough to close the gap.

"It was tricky because we had Richard Colvin out again so we had to field Matt at stand-off and Tim Harris in his place at half-back," added Dearling.

"But when Richard comes back and we get our shape back, the signs are there that we are improving."

Hampstead remain second from bottom in division three north west.

They have a week off before travelling to Vauxhall Motors - to whom they lost to by a single late point in their previous meeting.

Hampstead: Philpott, Williams, Sleight, Goldberg, Pool, Harris, McTurk, Everrett, Pugh, Darke, Aygeton, Eastwood, Credland, Lacey, Cowan-Dickie.

l UCS Old Boys have to wait until Saturday week to continue their challenge for the London League division four title. The Old Boys, who are second behind leaders Hammersmith & Fulham, entertain Old Hamptonians.

l Belsize Park also resume their Herts Middlesex League division two campaign in two weeks when they visit Lockside.