Hampstead’s first league victory takes them out of the drop zone

Hampstead finally won their first league game of the season at the eighth attempt, blitzing London Nigerian with seven tries to triumph 43-7 and move out of the relegation zone in London Division Two North-West.

A nervy start showed how important victory was for both sides, and Hampstead’s attacking intent was often betrayed by their inability to catch the ball.

There was no score after half an hour, but stand-in captain Andy McEwen steadied the nerves with a try from the back of the scrum.

A second score followed after a break by Donal Droney and good support from Jordan Wood, with Will Verona touchinf down – and both tries were converted to leave the hosts 14-0 up at half-time.

Hampstead cut loose in the second period and further tries from Ben Fiddler, Droney, Pete Evans and Blazers Corridan ensured the game was over as a contest.

Hampstead’s last try of the game was an end-to-end break with all the backs involved before Mike Redfearn finished off under the posts. London Nigerian grabbed a consolation, but McEwen was pleased with a job well done.

“I told the guys before the game that we could not afford to lose and we got a response,” he said. “There’s been a lack of leadership in the team so far, but we all came together and played really well.

“We need to target a run of wins now before Christmas before we can start feeling comfortable again – but with the team we had on Saturday, there’s no reason this can’t happen.”

Hampstead have another important game this weekend as they host local rivals UCS Old Boys, who are bottom of the table.