Harpenden haven’t always had things their own way at Hampstead but this 36-12 victory was testamanet to the hard work put in over pre-season.

They looked better organised, defended resolutely and attacked aggressively throughout.

A try from Luke Barber and penalty from Ollie Mann put them 8-0 ahead at half-time but a sin-binning for Bobby Tane, penalised for not using the arms, meant Harpenden started the second period a man short.

However, it was they who went further ahead with a converted try by Mark Evans from a quickly-taken penalty.

Jimmy Speirs then allowed Tane to charge through and score, before going over for one of his own.

Both were converted leaving Harps 29-0 in front and with a try bonus point.

Hampstead did get two tries, the second with the last move of the game, but Adam Wilkinson’s try in between, converted again by Mann, sealed an impressive win.