Grasshoppers paid dearly for their failure to keep possession as they stumbled to defeat against Hammersmith & Fulham on Saturday, writes Jon Batham.
The London North-West Three high-flyers appeared to be sitting pretty for a seventh win in nine games when they led 24-18 with the clock ticking down, but could not see it out, conceding two late tries to go down 32-24.
Such an outcome had looked unlikely when the hosts, despite playing up the slope, led 11-6 at half-time, thanks mainly to Jeremy Easton's opportunist try.
The full-back was the first to react when a Gerwyn Hughes penalty cannoned back into play off the post.
The visitors hit back after half-time with a brilliant break away which saw them score under the posts.
And when Hammersmith & Fulham scored again out wide after several good phases of play from the forwards, grasshopers trailed 18-11.
However, this was the cue for the Osterley side's best rugby of the match.
Two Hughes penalties reduced their arrears to a single point and winger Chris Brown went over to put Grasshoppers back in front.
Hughes converted for 24-18 before victory was snatched from their grasp.
Grasshoppers are in Middlesex Cup action this Saturday at home to neighbours Staines.
