Old Hamptonians lifted themselves into the top half of the table with a 19-7 victory at struggling Fullerians on Saturday.

The hosts started strongly, missing an early kick at goal, but two penalties from full-back Frank Keenan set Hampton on their way.

This was followed by a great try from winger Joe Beal, rounding off a set move from over 40 metres out after Andy Jones came off the blindside wing and punched a hole in the midfield before flinging out a pinpoint pass to put Beal away, though he still had some work to do to beat the cover.

11-0 to Hampton at halftime quickly became 14-0 as Keenan knocked over a close range penalty at the start of the 2nd period. Several Hampton players were distinguishing themselves, the tigerish tackling and competitiveness of openside flanker Oli Grindrod, backed up by scrum half Sam Wilson, were decisive at the breakdown. With the little ball they did get, the midfield 3 often combined well, and the front row saw a welcome return for Guy Baker. However the try that sealed it for Hampton came after No 8 Gidlow hacked a loose ball on and Wilson followed up to score.

This was the cue for the home side to have their best period and for the last 20 minutes Fullerians camped in the Hampton half. Hampton were able to bring Bawden and Thomas on to bolster the defence, and though there were sin bins on both sides as the game got scrappy in the worsening light, in truth the OH defence was very well marshalled and they never looked like conceding.

It took a penalty try for Fullerians to register any points & 19-7 remained the final score. Next up for OH are Bank of England at home, sure to be a tougher test, but after 2 wins on the trot Hampton will look to continue the momentum.

Team - Baker, Gillbe, Dick, Fellowes, Hewertson (sub Bawden), Cooke, Grindrod, Gidlow, Wilson, Peel, Beal, Lowe (Thomas), Jones M, Jones A, Keenan.