Haringey Rhinos' attempt to reach the Middlesex Sevens finals for the third year in a row came unstuck when they were knocked out by London Scottish on Sunday.

The qualifiers, held at Enfield Ignatians' ground, boasted a strong line-up of teams. The afternoon got off to the best possible start when Enfield's second string were comfortably outpointed 31-5 through tries from Jake Usher, Dave Morrow (2) and Alan Cooper (2).

The Rhinos' second match against Old Tottonians was as one-sided as their 260 half-time lead suggested. Haringey went on to win the game with a convincing 457 victory, with two tries from both Tom Pert and Hannes Strydom, and one apiece for Paul Fletcher, Morrow and Cooper.

But it was their third game of the day which was to prove the acid test as Haringey came up against similarly unbeaten Scottish.

Although Haringey were forced to defend for much of the first half, Tom Pert broke away for a full-length try to score first.

London Scottish quickly replied, bringing the scores level at the break, but two second-half tries to Morrow's consolation effort ensured it was Scottish who went on to earn their place in the final.

Disappointed Rhinos' captain Dave Morrow said: "Playing in the finals at The Stoop for the last two years has been great, and it's a shame we will miss out on playing this year.

"But at least we've got the Amsterdam sevens in a couple of weeks to look forward to.

"Scottish and overselves were clearly the two best sides there and it was a shame we had to meet in the pool rounds and not the final."

The Rhinos will take part in the International Sevens in Amsterdam, Holland, on May 17 and 18.

April 30, 2003 20:00