Greenwich Admirals 18-16 Hainault Bulldogs

GREENWICH Admirals held their nerve and pulled off a dramatic win against current league leaders Hainault Bulldogs on Saturday.

Unbeaten so far this season and with some convincing wins behind them, the Bulldogs were turned over by an Admirals side which has remained undefeated at home for two years.

The game was full of passion and vigorous tackling with both defences determined to hold their ground.

It wasn't until the 18th minute when the deadlock was broken as the visitors scored in the corner after a high ball was fumbled by full-back Alex Hall.

Ten minutes later, it was last week's hat-trick hero Chris Geary who found the gap to steam through and bring the sides level.

His effort was converted by Dean Wilson and the Admirals held on to their slender lead until half-time.

It was more of the same in the second half as both attacks sought to find the gap which would again lead to a try, but it was Hainault who responded first to a loose ball and outran the covering defence to score under the posts.

The Admirals responded well, led by captain Jim Spark pushing the visitors' defence onto the back foot with successive sets.

Hainault's frustration was beginning to get the better of them when centre Dean Wilson latched onto a pass from debutant Oliver Slow which split the defence.

Wilson converted his own try and the Admirals were 12-10 in front.

Not used to losing, Hainault began to pile on the pressure and Greenwich were struggling to withstand the onslaught.

Again the visitors resorted to the chip over the top to outstrip the covering defence and restore a slender lead.

The game seem to be lost for the home side until utility back Tony Pickthall received the ball in the final minutes from Peter Gent and sold the Hainault defence an almighty side step to score under the post.

Wilson had the spectators' hearts in their mouths as his conversion hit the crossbar before going over to give Greenwich an 18-16 lead with only enough time for one more attack.

Hainault won the ball back on the first tackle and the home side's nerve cracked when Matt Whitmore's infringement gave the visitors the opportunity for the draw.

However, the day belonged to the Admirals when Hainault sliced the kick and it went dead in goal.

Stand in coach Anthony Johnson said "What a game. Due to an injury sustained at Colchester I couldn't play.

"I'm slightly disappointed but very proud of the lads. They put their bodies on the line for each other and it was a tremendous team performance."

Greenwich Admirals are at home to Cambridge Eagles on Saturday, kick-off 2.30pm.