Haringey 8 Stevenage Town 25 THIS game was a chance for Stevenage to close the gap on the leaders with the league s top two teams playing each other. Town travelled to White Hart Lane with several members of their dominant pack missing through injury. It

Haringey 8 Stevenage Town 25

THIS game was a chance for Stevenage to close the gap on the leaders with the league's top two teams playing each other.

Town travelled to White Hart Lane with several members of their dominant pack missing through injury.

It allowed six teenagers to step up to the plate and they did not disappoint, continuing this season's unbeaten run away from North Road.

Stevenage started the game strongly and looked like they might steamroller their way to victory from the kick-off.

Their constant pressure resulted in just three points from the boot of Gareth Lewis though as try scoring opportunities went begging through loose passes and dropped catches.

The breakthrough finally came from a piece of individual skill when centre Lewis broke the gain line with a deft chip over the top, which he then gathered before stepping and powering his way over the line.

Town underestimated the tenacity of the large South African contingent of Haringey and constant bullocking runs by their stocky inside centre gave the hosts good field position.

This was capitalised on when a long floated pass found their winger in space and allowed him to cross in the corner unopposed.

A further penalty from Haringey saw the teams go in level.

The second half saw the Stags double their efforts.

They were rewarded when a good slip pass by Iain Penny found the big man Barry Cook with the ball in hand and only five yards to the line.

With a lot of the Haringey team clinging on his back, he managed to power his way over the remaining yards for the score.

Stevenage continued to turn the screw and further pressure allowed the league's top try scorer Gareth Roberts to go over and add to his season's impressive tally.

With their noses in front, Town finally relaxed with the ball in hand and allowed it to be spread wide to speedy winger Mickey Wilson.

Wilson chipped the ball through and outpaced the defenders to be the first to touch down over the line for the icing on the cake.

With Ruislip beating Welwyn, the gap between second and third is now just two points.

And with the Stags due to play both, coach Terry Penny will hope for further improvement when they take on Harpenden at North Road this Saturday.