Streatham-Croydon gifted Old Tiffinians a comfortable 39-19 win on Saturday thanks to a spell of sheer ineptness that undermined recent good performances, writes Owen Jones.

Indeed, Streatham competed well throughout this game against the table-topping Old Boys but were profligate in defence.

Streatham even had the luxury of home advantage after Old Tiff’s ground was waterlogged, the tie being moved to Thornton Heath on the Friday night.

Coach Bob Dean recalled veteran Arnold Hunt on the wing for his first start for the senior side in over twelve months.

But Dean could hardly believe his eyes as Streatham tried to play sevens-style rugby in slippery conditions, Old Tiffs revelling in the generosity by running in three tries in the first ten minutes to open up a 22-0 lead.

Streatham did manage to fight back with a try from Simon Hampton but Tiffs managed another score before half-time to lead 29-7 at the break.

Streatham showed they could have been a match for the visitors in the second half with two more tries from Patryk Kowalski and Garvin C.J. Toussaint but some more kamikaze play gave Tiffs two more well taken tries to give them a well-deserved 39-19 win that strengthens their promotion credentials.

Streatham have a home friendly at Frant Road on Saturday against Old Alleynians, kick off 2.30pm.