LONDON TWO NORTH Staines 19 Ruislip 5

A cheap shot knocked Ruislip's rugby hopes of making it seven wins in a row at league leaders Staines where they slipped to a 19-5 defeat.

The Maroons travelled without two key forwards in Henk Hattingh and Wayne Blumerick and Staines, who were not at full strength either, took an early lead with a straightforward penalty.

The referee was not so observant after 15 minutes though when Ruislip hooker Dennis Rowe was punched by his opposite number which resulted in a split lip and an early end to his game.

Without Rowe's throwing into the line-out a key area of possession became very difficult for the visitors and an unsettled Ruislip team then conceded a well worked try when indecisive defence let in the Staines right winger.

Ruislip were better at the breakdown but too often they were let down by poor kicking, which was inconsistent and decision-making was disappointing too.

A second key moment came just before half-time when Ruislip had the chance to cut the deficit to just five points but stand-in kicker Joe Grehan missed a straightforward penalty attempt. After the break the Maroons started to play their best rugby, looking fluent in the backs and good runs by Mark Whyman, Gordon Pengati and Grehan tested the home defence.

However, the game was effectively lost on the hour when untidy play allowed the Staines backs to kick ahead and touch down for a rather soft try.

Ruislip did not give up and they at least finished on a high by scoring the try of the match, following a series of good rucks and passing with a neat kick by Whyman to put his team's most effective player on the day, Grehan, in at the corner for a consolation.

Skipper Adam Cristol said: "I'm frustrated by how it went, the loss of Dennis certainly disrupted us but our decision-making wasn't up to scratch.

"On the other hand our commitment in defence and in contact was good which we are going to need against Letchworth next week. They bullied us at their place and they are only a point behind us in the league so it's one we are desperate to win."

Ruislip Threes, managed by James Ullyart and Jim Dowsett, secured promotion before the end of January with a convincing 90-14 win over St Albans III.

The team has lost only once in the league all season and Saturday's win means they cannot be caught by third-placed Hendon, ensuring a second consecutive promotion.

Skipper Dan Sellars said: "I am delighted with the quality and team spirit we have created with what is essentially a very young side." [25a0] Two unbeaten records went on the line at West End Road when Ruislip U14s took on Essex champions Chelmsford in what was their toughest game of the campaign.

The game certainly lived up to its billing as the visitors started well, forcing Ruislip on to the back foot and eventually their winger evaded two tackles and scored a converted try out wide.

Ruislip countered strongly, keeping Chelmsford in their own 22 for long periods and Rhys Verley scrambled over the line for five points, increased to seven by Jack Knights and it remained that way until half-time.

The Maroons started the second half with real purpose as fly half Charlie Noon kicked long and Ruislip pounded the Essex side, who defended stubbornly but in the end prop Olly Hooper managed to break free and touch down in the corner. Knights again did superbly to convert in wet and windy conditions.

Ruislip continued to attack but Chelmsford kept them at bay and they eventually broke out and a clearance kick bounced kindly into the hands of their outside centre who evaded a sloppy tackle to score under the posts.

They added an easy conversion to level the score at 14-14 and despite further pressure from Ruislip, inspired by man of the match Robert Baragwanath, it remained that way.