Harpenden are second in London Two North West after a 32-27 bonus-point win at home to Hampstead.

Outside centre Dan Dimoline put Hampstead ahead with a try after just two minutes after storming through a gaping hole in Harps’ defence.

But number eight Ed Preston crashed over for Harpenden’s first try after Harry Hutchins had set up an attack with a deft chip.

Flanker Aaron Wilde then rounded off a well-worked attack on the right wing by sprinting through for a second try for the hosts.

Winger Ash Smith went over for Harps’ third try and they wrapped up the bonus point when debutant scrum-half Lewis Daly touched down in the corner to make it 22-7.

The result seemed all but certain when Adam Stirling crossed the line almost immediately after the start of the second half.

However, Hampstead had other ideas and tries by flanker Max Moncrieff, Dimoline and skipper Andy McEwan set up a tense finish to the contest.

But Harpenden sealed victory when fly-half Hutchins finished off an attack.

Skipper Nick Childs said: “After that fifth try we became arrogant and relaxed, allowing Hampstead right back into the game. But we were able to lift ourselves and dig out a win and the attitude we showed pleased me.

“We’ve got our biggest game of the season this Saturday when we go to leaders Harrow, which means we have a lot of things to work on in training this week.”