Old Priorians suffered their fifth straight defeat in Regional 2 Thames as H.A.C temporarily return to the league's summit, defeating the Twisters 31-3 under the lights at Perivale.

A good opening for OPs failed to translate into points on the board, fly half Emilio Uribe's long range penalty their best chance, an effort that shaved the upright and went wide. Having soaked up the early pressure, H.A.C were able to advance into Twisters territory - aided by a number of penalties - crossing the line after 15 minutes following a short range rolling maul.

OPRFC showed yet more promise but were unable to execute the crucial final phases, the visitors holding strong in defence and forcing Priorians into mistakes. Quick thinking from another penalty in the opposition 22 saw H.A.C scrum half Rob Smith scramble in under the posts after a tap-and-go, converting his own effort for a 12-0 lead with 26 minutes gone.

Neat interplay between the Twisters forwards and backs allowed them to build a degree of momentum as the half entered the final stages, rewarded with a penalty within kickable range for Uribe on the stroke of half time, from which he made no mistake to put the first points on the board for OPs as the whistle blew, 12-3 at the turnaround.

H.A.C stunned Priorians with two tries around ten minutes into the second half, the first coming from a grind towards the whitewash and the second a flowing move straight from the restart to make sure of a try bonus point as a nine point lead became 21, hopes of a Twisters comeback fading with it.

Nevertheless, OPs then put together a tremendous period of play, camping themselves within the H.A.C 22 ; they were able to cross the line twice only to be held up on both occasions. Finally able to release themselves into decent field position, another infringement from Priorians saw H.A.C once again using their intelligence and taking a quick tap to travel 60 metres and complete their scoring with around ten minutes to go, converted for 31-3, which is how it stayed as full time was signalled.

While the promotion hopefuls probably deserved the victory, the Twisters were often victims of their own demise, conceding far too many penalties in dangerous positions nor alert to the danger of the H.A.C backs in countering situations. Furthermore, OPs lacked the finishing instinct and will need to be more clinical in fixtures to come. However, this was a much improved performance from which they can take great confidence from.

Up next is another stern test against London Scottish Lions next Saturday.

OPRFC SCORERS

P : Uribe