A stubborn performance from OPRFC Saints wasn't enough to prevent defeat against an organised London Japanese in Middlesex Merit Table Division 1, in a match decided by fine margins at St Benedict's Playing Field.

Japanese had the better of the opening exchanges but were unable to find a way through the solid OPs defence, until a Saints yellow card opened the door to opportunity, the visitors able to exploit the extra man through a deft chip over the backline, well gathered for the first try of the day a little over ten minutes into the match.

Priorians certainly had their chances with the first half in full swing yet found themselves 19-0 down by virtue of an intercepted pass, along with good work to go over in the corner following some penalty errors from OPs. However, a Japanese yellow card late on in the half gave the Saints a degree of momentum with Kit Mawer's well taken try on the stroke of half-time the reward.

A much tighter second half saw just one try, both sides playing some good quality rugby. The Saints went close but were held up on the line, the only score of the second 40 minutes coming around ten minutes from time following good phases from last year's play-off finalists.

OPs can be happy with their efforts against one of the best sides in the division, with no visible signs of rust for the first game of the season which bodes well for future fixtures.

A visit to London Cornish in the first round of the Merit Table Cup awaits next week.

OPRFC SCORERS

T : Mawer