Two tries to skipper Aaron Small were not enough to prevent Skolars going down at home to Rochdale Hornets on Saturday.

Centre Small scored powerful touchdowns in the fifth and 35th minutes as London Skolars took an early lead and narrowed the margin to 10 shortly after halftime at New River Stadium

The boys gave it everything and made market improvements as they sought their first victory of the year. But Hornets centre Tom Ashton posted three; the visitors hit the lead after 22 minutes and held it thereafter.

However, for home coach Joe Mbu the ability to score 22 points – four tries – against big name opposition including such celebrated names as Rangi Chase and Fuifui MoiMoi will be a positive.

The team’s attack continues to develop visibly and the defence is learning valuab le lessons every week.

A full match report will be posted in the next couple of days.

Next weekend we take on Keighley away.