In what was probably the fastest paced game for the blues, they had quick feet and Tom Swann’s 100% kicking record to thank as they went top of the Middlesex Merit Table 4.

And the ever present quick start from the Cayton Park side had them on the scoreboard early, scrum half Ali Slaughter supporting runners and receiving the pass to open his account. And barely 5mins later after the forwards charged into the BOE defence, this allowed winger Ian Stevenson to sprint into the overlap. He was neatly brought down inside the 22 but his terrific offload as he went to ground that even the All Blacks would have applauded allowed 2nd row Paulius Deveikis to hit the gap and put the blues 14-0 up.

Unlike the previous week, Northolt managed to keep their foot firmly on the gas and were able to clear many attacks. James Corbett was able to extend the lead through a kicked penalty. However, on numerous occasions, kicks up field found the opposing full back who was always supported by his wingers and Northolt started to leak gaps in their back line. And they conceded via 2 missed tackles from leaving an opening. But they did muster a solid defence when BOE set back on the charge, holding up 2 drives. Danny McCarthy at hooker was Northolt’s saviour in the scrum, turning possession several times to allow the blues to clear out of their 22. And shortly before half time, nimble full back Corbett continued his impressive try scoring form with a side-stepping run to the line.

With the second half underway, Northolt were using the slope well, but kicking down field kept on finding the full back and Northolt began to struggle. They conceded midway through the second half, again leaving an opening and tiring legs unable to stop the attack. But centre Adam Harding was able to find his old form and he was able to score, again from a Corbett attack. Swann added another penalty which just put the game beyond reach for BOE, who sighed in exhaustion upon hearing that there was still 10mins left in the game. But they did force a consolation try, pushing their way through a weakening Northolt defence.

But it was all smiles as the final whistle was blown, with skipper Frank Enright delighted with the improvement in his squad’s discipline, conceding a fraction of the amount penalties compared to last week.

Northolt’s 2nd team continued a valiant start to their season. Despite going down 34-7 to Hackney 3rds, there was plenty of improvement from the veterans and inexperience of the 2nd string. Prop Tomas Deveikis scoring his 2nd in 2 games in the enjoyable encounter.