Beware the Ides of March, wrote Shakespeare, and so it proved for the 1st XV.

The losing bonus points for this seven point defeat, and the week before's single point loss to Bank of England, were scant reward for the players' efforts in both games but, more importantly, not enough to stop Old Actonians leaping into fourth place. There are five League matches left and slim chance of claiming the second promotion place although the 1st XV have still two matches in hand over some of their fellow challengers.

Byng Road was swathed in bright sunshine although with a gentle wind blowing from the west. BE elected to play with the elements in the first 40 minutes: whilst they played well, they could not achieve a good lead, knowing that Hackney were not in second place for nothing: as it turned out, the visitors did not make full use of the advantages in the second half - the final score, a penalty, only coming two minutes from time.

BE went into an early lead through a GLYN BAYLEY penalty although that was quickly cancelled out by the visiting fly half slotting a simple penalty. Then, similar to the Old Millhillians' game, SANJAY DEWAN chip-kicked over the Hackney defence for GLYN BAYLEY to run through: the same player converted his own try: he also landed a second penalty although, in between, Hackney showed their handling skills in their counter-attacks as they scored a converted try to make the score 13-10 at half time. BE could have been further ahead had GLYN BAYLEY not over-cooked his kick ahead, the ball going over the dead-ball line: also, LLOYD MORGAN touched down but seconds after the referee had blown, believing the ball was stuck in the loose.

BE defended well in the second half as Hackney launched their attacks - the away full back was bundled into touch inches short of the corner flag and other chances were denied by BE but, eventually, they forced their way through for a second converted try. It was not all one way, though, as the BE pack rumbled upfield, often driving the visitors back some distance. It was a close game right up to the final stages when Hackney kicked a simple penalty to secure the win whilst the 1st XV gained a consolation bonus point which might be too little too late at the end of the season.

The 1st XV are away to Cheshunt on Saturday (22nd) at 3pm.

PGY