RUGBY: RING rusty Pegasus seconds lost a competitive match to Wanstead thirds, 31-24.

Fielding a lightweight pack anchored by veteran prop Dickie Tomlinson and a youthful set of backs marshalled by director of rugby Jim McCann-Berry, Pegasus took an early lead from the boot of star fly Darrel Hovells. The lead was short lived as Wanstead went on to score from the restart.

Wanstead extended their lead with a breakaway try, which ricocheted back to their centre following a valiant charge down of a clearance kick, following a sustained period of Pegasus pressure to make it 14-4 to the away side.

Pegasus did score shortly afterwards with John King adding the points. Hovells kicked the extras.

The second half started a frenetic pace with Pegasus showing good dominance in the scrum and at the breakdown, however Wanstead opened the second half by extending their lead. The home side reacted well with Flanker Alfie scoring the first of his two tries following good work at the scrum to make the score 21-17 to Wanstead. Instead of learning from their earlier mistakes Pegasus conceded a fourth try for an another quick Wanstead tap penalty taking the visitors into a 11 point lead with a little over 20 minutes left.

Pegasus never stopped and Alfie crashed over for his second try closing the gap to four points with 10 minutes left.

Pegasus’s enthusiasm led to a couple of infringements at the break down, finally giving Wanstead a penalty which the kicker calmly converted.

Despite being camped in Wanstead’s 5m line for the final few minutes Pegasus were unable to cross.

Next week Pegasus travel to Southend trying to get their first win of the second half of the season.