LONDON NORTH THREE: Harpenden 21 H'SMITH & FULHAM 18
The new Hammersmith & Fulham coach reckoned his baptism at the helm produced a game of 'thirds.'
Dai Michael admitted Harpenden had dominated the middle 25 minutes or so, but was convinced the team from Hurlingham Park had done enough to win the match in the two periods either side.
The first 20 minutes was a war of attrition wonby the more powerful Hammers' pack.
But at the end of it they only had two penalties to show for it scored by Scott Richards.
In the second-half Harpenden made better use of a sloping pitch and shot ahead to lead 18-6 at one stage.
But captain Ali Lines beat the cover defence and then shipped a deft pass to newcomer John Hetherington, who just managed to go over.
But just when they needed it least H&F conceded a penalty, converted by a Harpenden boot with some aplomb from 35 yards.
With time running out Dan Djikic shimmied his way past several pairs of Herts' hands to score neatly.
But this time Richards' conversion attempt was wide and there was no time left for a further attempt.
