Harpenden returned to the top spot of London North West Two with a 34-0 win over strugglers Harrow at Redbourn Lane.

Herts Advertiser: Harpenden celebrate Conor McClean's try in the victory over Harrow. Picture: KARYN HADDONHarpenden celebrate Conor McClean's try in the victory over Harrow. Picture: KARYN HADDON (Image: Archant)

They were helped by HAC losing to second-placed Hampstead in a tight game, with Harpenden’s bonus point giving them a one-point lead over the north London side, with HAC a further point behind.

They bagged six tries in the victory, Adam Wilkinson getting two of them and Ollie Mann, Jim Hamilton, Conor McLean and Tom Sweeney, who also helped himself to two conversions, scoring one each.

The win was made even sweeter by the fact Harps had to make six changes with half-a-dozen first-team regulars missing.

Skipper Oli Lacey said: “I’m very happy. This was a good win against a team who belied their league position by making us work hard all the way.

Herts Advertiser: Harpenden RFC V Harrow - Adam Wilkinson in action for Harpenden. Picture: Karyn Haddon.Harpenden RFC V Harrow - Adam Wilkinson in action for Harpenden. Picture: Karyn Haddon. (Image: Archant)

“I’m really pleased by the way those who came in today stepped up so well, particularly as some were not playing in their normal positions.

“And while I think we left a few points out on the pitch, I’m delighted that we did not concede a point.”

Stand-off Mann opened the scoring on just three minutes with a try in the left-hand corner and five minutes later full-back Hamilton touched down in exactly the same spot.

With Harpenden’s pack dominant in the loose and the tight, and the backs looking threatening every time they got the ball, it was only a matter of time before they scored again.

Herts Advertiser: Harpenden RFC V Harrow - Oliver Mann in action for Harpenden. Picture: Karyn Haddon.Harpenden RFC V Harrow - Oliver Mann in action for Harpenden. Picture: Karyn Haddon. (Image: Archant)

Outside centre Wilkinson touched down for their third try on 23 minutes and two minutes later his centre partner McLean scored the try of the game to touch down under the posts.

Although Harrow came out strongly in the second half, Harps’ defence held firm.

Winger Sweeney added a fifth on 55 minutes and Wilkinson finished off the rout eight minutes from time.

Harpenden’s final league game of 2017 takes them to eighth-placed Hemel Hempstead on Saturday.

Herts Advertiser: Harpenden RFC V Harrow - Tom Sanders in action for Harpenden. Picture: Karyn Haddon.Harpenden RFC V Harrow - Tom Sanders in action for Harpenden. Picture: Karyn Haddon. (Image: Archant)