Bishampton 5, All Blacks 3

BISHAMPTON continued their winning run but almost contrived to throw the points away with a poor second half display.

Although the All Blacks are one place off the bottom of the division they started the game brightly and put the home team under pressure.

United scored against the run of play after six minutes courtesy of a fine solo effort from Greg Mason.

Instead of steadying the hosts, the visitors continued to press and deservedly equal-ised when a poor back pass allowed Paul Cole the chance to score. His first effort was well saved by Rob Bille but the keeper had no chance with the rebound.

Two goals in three minutes then put Bishampton in control. Andrew Murphy coolly slotted the ball into the net on 14 minutes after being played in by Paul Jeffcoat, and the same player scored again from close-range.

Just before the interval Mark Taylor robbed a defe-nder on the edge of the area and scored with ease, to give the home side a comfortable 4 - 1 half-time lead.

Bishampton eased off at the start of the second half, and a spirited All Blacks team took full advantage and reduced the arrears after only four minutes when Mark Langfield netted.

With the home team under pressure the visitors continued to push forward and were awarded a penalty for hand ball. This was despatched into the net by Jon Barry.

With the visitors pushing more men forward in search of the equaliser, gaps appeared in their defence and Bishampton had three one-on- one opportunities to seal the game. However, a mixture of poor finishing and good saves kept the game in the balance.

With twelve minutes remaining both teams had a player dismissed as the game became more frantic.

Bishampton finally settled the issue with ten minutes remaining when substitute Hareesh Shinh went around two defenders before scoring from an acute angle.

The match was sponsored by Dudley's Coaches.