Fullerians' 14-match unbeaten run ended after losing by the narrowest of margins, 27-26 at home to Stevenage in London Three North West on Saturday.

The hosts came into the match without suffering a defeat since October but Stevenage were worthy winners.

Head coach Rich Hoskins said: “We were not up to the challenge today.

“Our basics let us down and Stevenage deserved their win and wanted it more on the day. Well done to them.

“We are still four points clear at the top but need to be more physical and want for the win.”

The visitors started well as poor ball retention and defence allowed Stevenage to expose these weaknesses to score in the corner.

Fullers responded with a well-worked try from full-back Chris Heley, who found himself in space after some good work by his side’s pack.

The home side extended their lead further after a pushover try from the scrum five metres out from the Stevenage line. Number eight Simon Lye was on hand to control the ball and score.

Fullerians stretched their advantage when John Hudson crashed over from close range after some good interplay from the forwards and backs.

Shortly before the break though, Stevenage got themselves back in the match with a well-worked try to narrow the deficit.

The hosts could have had the last word on the stroke of half time. Camped on the Stevenage line, the ball was swung wide and the overlap was there but it was alleged to have gone forward.

Fullers were bullied by their opponents during the second half. Too often they lost the ball in contact or the defence was poor and Stevenage pounced on these opportunities. They took the penalty as Fullers were caught offside and continued to put them under pressure.

But the hosts pulled themselves together and scored through second row Liam Boyd following a catch and drive from a lineout ten metres out. Craig Duncan’s conversion gave them a 26-15 lead as they sought to extend their run.

However, Fullers squandered the advantage as two tries from Stevenage enabled the visitors to edge to victory.