The fortnight'S break from competition did no favours for Tottonians.

Their good league run came to an end despite outscoring London Irish Amateur two tries to one, as they went down 19-15 in London 3 South-West.

Signs of rustiness in their indiscipline and poor handling proved costly as the Irish kicked four penalties in reply to Paul Brading's try to force the visitors to play catch-up throughout, which they struggled to do.

The introduction ofn Mike Searle, back to fitness, did offer hope and he regularly thrust himself through midfield. But a fortunate bounce from an Irish kick-ahead saw them stretch their lead and, although Richard Buck did score late on, Totts fell short.

Skipper Miles Northover admitted he felt his side were the better of the two.

"But it showed that we had not played for two weeks," he added. "It was a closely-fought game throughout but our lack of discipline and the knock-ons let us down.

"For the last 20 minutes, it was all us but their last score was very fortunate and that left us too much to do in the end."

Purley John Fisher continue on their unabaited passage to London Division 3, having defeated Southampton. They were given a good going-over at Test Park but held the edge up front, which was the difference between the two sides.

The home side seemed to miss their three absentees - lock Merv Guest, skipper Tony Cador and fellow back-rower Dave Ingram - as Purley used their big forwards to score the three tries through rolling mauls.

However, the Surrey side did their homework and closed out all of Southampton's dangermen, especially full-back Denville Elleston, whom they kept quiet all afternoon.

Stand-in skipper Martyn Sheridan, scorer of the Saints try from a chip through from fly-half Dave Griffiths, was pleased with the defensive efforts of his side. "It was a two evenly matched sides who just nudged it in the forwards," he said. "Our defence was outstanding but the better team won on the day."

Romsey will be desperately disappointed to have been shut out at home by third-placed KCS Old Boys, losing 24-0 while Petersfield continue to struggle a place just ahead of them, going down 26-10 to Dorking.