Hampstead rue missed opportunities in defeat against clinical HAC

Published: 1:22 PM January 27, 2015 Updated: 1:41 PM October 14, 2020

Pete Wood scored twice for Hampstead but it wasn't enough. Pic: Paolo Minoli - Credit: Archant

Hampstead were left rueing missed opportunities as they lost 29-20 to a hardworking HAC team in a game that could have gone either way in London North-West Division Two.

Hampstead were technically the home side but the Heath was unplayable so the match was played at HAC’s ground, and they kicked effectively on their narrow pitch.

Hampstead had most of the early possession and made a number of clean breaks – notably through Will Verona and Andy McEwen – but were unable to find the final pass to finish off their chances.

HAC, by contrast, had one opportunity in the first half- hour, which they scored and converted clinically.

Hampstead struck back with a Dan Dimoline penalty, but HAC responded in kind minutes later to take a 10-3 lead into the interval – and they then scored from virtually the first play of the second half.

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Hampstead struck back with two quick tries, both from winger Pete Wood, and Dimoline converted one as Hampstead took the lead.

But that didn’t last long and HAC came back with two quick, converted tries of their own before McEwen touched down to score a consolation with the last play.

Hampstead coach Peter Breen said: “We had every chance to win that, but we came out second best. When we make clean breaks we have to work on our support play and composure. Our scrum was well on top, but we have to build off that and start putting teams away.”