UCS Old Boys began 2016 with a 25-7 defeat at Cheshunt in Herts/Middlesex Division One despite a strong start to the second half and a try from Laurent Stephenson.
The warning signs were there in the warm-up, which lacked intensity, and Cheshunt gradually got on top before taking the lead with a penalty.
The Old Boys missed a couple of attempts at the posts themselves and the misses were punished as they conceded two tries and went into half-time 15-0 down.
A sharp team talk provoked a response and they hit back with a converted try as Alex Lowe sent Stephenson over in the corner.
However, the hard work was undone by an intercepted pass and a Cheshunt try, and the hosts scored again before the end. It leaves UCS sixth in the table.
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