THE top of the table clash at Motspur Park saw Old Freemen's unable to dislodge leaders Old Blues on a bitterly cold afternoon.

But despite the defeat they had the consolation of remaining handily placed in second in the league with a game in hand.

Blues had a dream start with a scything run-in through the centre for a try under the posts within five minutes as the Freemen's defence froze.

Alex King narrowed the gap with a well-struck penalty, although more sympathetic application of the advantage law subsequently would have probably led to a try.

Blues struck again when their backs used the width of the huge pitch to expose Freemen's defence on the left to score a try that was converted.

Trailing 14-3 at half-time, Freemen's stormed into Blues territory from the restart.

Rob Tyrrell, Simon Daniels and skipper Alex Moodie grafted hard but the Blues defence was well-drilled.

Despite securing plenty of possession in the loose, with Chas March enjoying the fray, Freemen's could not add to the scoreboard.

Blues remained strong in a gruelling contest that tested the fitness of both sides, and eventually forced their way back into Freemen's half, landing the killer blows with two tries in quick succession, including a bonus-point fourth, towards the end of the match.

Tom Fair scored a consolation try for the visitors on the final whistle after intense pressure but Freemen's were left disappointed with the home supporters and replacements letting loose an exuberant and voluble celebration of a well-fought win.

Freemen's woes were compounded by a 48-10 defeat of their seconds by Blues seconds at Ashtead Park.

The Freemen's scores came from tries by Andrew Brooks and Mike Barrett.

On Saturday Freemen's hope to return to winning form against Old Walcountians at Ashtead Park. The seconds are away at Clock House Field.

Old Freemen's: A Moodie, Telford, I Moodie (Charalambous), Fair, Tyrrell, Crouch, Daniels, March, Smith, King, Rowan, Wilson, A Jones, Gotto, Turk (T Haywood).