Bank of England 17pts Barnet Elizabethans 29pts

Fortunately when the team did arrive, they started strongly: CARL HIRZINGER crossed in the first minute but lost control of the ball in doing so. Shortly afterwards, a deep kick to touch saw a clean lineout catch and then the pack drove RICKY STEVENS over for a try which GLYN BAYLEY converted: BAYLEY ,who missed nothing in the first half, whether at goal, touch or for territory, then added a penalty goal. However, BE made a mistake when ROSS WILKINSON's clearance kick was charged down and the Bank scored a converted try. The most sublime score then followed when, after another run down the right wing by DAVID LEADBITTER saw JAMES ORAM in support: the second row charged on before selling an outrageous dummy, which the Bank's last defender bought to leave ORAM the simple run in for the try, also converted by BAYLEY. BE deservedly led 17-7 at half time.

That should have been 26-7 early in the second half but BE's full back, as well as kicked in the opening 40, fluffed three simple penalty goal kicks, along with other errors and lost chances by BE's. One led to a second home try but then MIGUEL and DUMIE were penalised for wheeling a set scrum and the Bank ran the ball to score a third try to equalise the score at 17-17. Stung by this loss of control, and by LAURENCE'S tongue, they stormed back and scored two late tries: the first almost a repeat of their first - lineout, catch and drive with RICKY STEVENS again the scorer. Late in the game, and atoning for his earlier error, ROSS WILKINSON intercepted and ran through for a try, converted by GLYN BAYLEY.

The last try gave them the extra bonus point which means they are just two points behind Finchley (2nd)and London Nigerians (3rd). BE are away to London Nigerians on Saturday at 3pm. Heaven help us that the North Circular Road is again crowded.

PGY