Harpenden failed to turn pressure into points on Saturday as they were beaten 33-5 by high-flying Old Priorians at Redbourn Lane.

Herts Advertiser: Smith sizes up an opponentSmith sizes up an opponent (Image: Archant)

The visitors, on the other half, showed a ruthless efficiency in turning possession in points. Led by their inspirational fly-half Joe Codrington, who scored 18 points, Priorians dealt Harpenden their 10th loss of the season. For a full match report, see online.

After the game, coach Phil Cooper told the Herts Ad that the scoreline did not match the performance.

“I thought we were strong; we worked really hard, created chances and our scrum pushed them all over the pitch but there were periods where our execution let us down.

“Old Priorians are a very good side and they took their chances; they’re execution was really good and they put us away when they had the opportunity.”

Harpenden have a week off before they entertain Beaconsfield at home. The first meeting of the teams ended with Beaconsfield squeaking out a narrow 25-22 victory; Cooper expects another close game when the sides lock horns in two weeks time.

“We were very evenly matched in the first meeting; we were unlucky not to win that game,” he said.

“It was a close contest and I don’t think this game will be any different; it will come down to execution. Beaconsfield will not give us many chances so we need to turn our pressure into points.”

After Saturday’s loss Harpenden remain in eighth place, two below rivals St Albans, and are more than safe from relegation with the bottom two teams, UCS Old Boys and London Nigerian on two and minus-18 points respectively.

Still, Cooper believes there is plenty to play for before the club starts thinking about the 2014/15 season.

“There’s still a chunk of games to play and we want to progress up the table; we believe we’re good enough to do it, we just need to be more consistent.”