London Three (North West) HAMMERSMITH & FULHAM............19 London New Zealand.........................12

HAMMERSMITH'S early kick-off on Saturday was to make sure they could watch England on TV later.

And the Hurlingham Park side probably wanted to pass on a couple of hints to Martin Johnson and co about winning after Hammers moved up to fourth in the table even at the expense of an injury to James Weeks.

The star fly-half's removal from the fray before half-time saw the Kiwi exiles take full advantage to peg back H&F's 10-0 lead with two tries of their own.

Scott Richards had earlier slotted over a penalty, and a set play saw his side increase their lead. Good field position and a strong lineout allowed fullback Tom Kenward to exploit a mis-match with a LNZ forward to score a try converted by Richards.

But the play was even-Stephen for the first few minutes of the second half before Richards decisively stepped up to notch two more penalties and give Hammers breathing space.

UCS Old Boys....................................24 LONDON NIGERIANS.......................13

NIGERIAN coach Roger Coombs has promised his team will be a lot closer to Hammersmith & Fulham on Saturday than this game.

It will be the first ever meeting of west London's top two at the Linford Christie Stadium - or anywhere else - and Coombs is sure his side will do themselves justice in the derby clash.

He said: "Last Saturday we had nine players missing, and practically no first-team forwards. They're all due back for the Hammersmith game." Nigerian led UCS 10-9 at half-time, but a lack of muscle power proved the difference.

Jemi-Akin Olugbade scored his side's try. Ugo Ekeowa converted and added two penalties.