Champions beat rivals Ruislip

REIGNING English National League champions London GD are just one win away from securing the southern section title after beating rivals Ruislip Eagles 33-23 at Leyton SCORE Centre in London on Sunday.

The Eagles beat them by one point back in January, but London GD secured a revenge victory which leaves them in a strong position heading into the end of season play-offs.

Ruislip were looking to record a fourth straight win and remain undefeated in 2012, but did not have the means to stop London GD despite the return of some key players.

The first half was hotly-contested, and although London GD were ahead for most of the half the Eagles were not outdistanced and had opportunities to hit back (HT: 15-12).

However, after the break the Eagles lost concentration and were punished. They didn’t pose a threat in attack and wasted fast breaks, and Goalkeeper Reda Sebbatta was on top form for London GD stopping several seven-metre throws.

London GD increased the gap easily as the all-important discipline and team unit in defence was lacking on the Eagles side. The gap rose to double digits at the final whistle (33-23).

In other action in the southern section, Cambridge and Oxford University drew 22-22.

Oxford were just ahead by one goal at the break, and the match remained close throughout.

Seco scored six times for Cambridge, while Oxford’s best was Tim Schmidt-Eisenlohr with five.

This final match in the southern section will be between London GD and Oxford University on February 23 (8pm), following which the play-offs will begin on February 26.

* And in the Women’s National League, London GD beat Warrington Wolves 24-13.