ANDOVER were taught a vital lesson on their return to London League Two rugby, losing 25-10 to hosts Effingham and Leatherhead.

The home side have been at this level for many seasons and showed that guile and game management count for as much as ability, in a league where the first round of results show that all games are likely to be tight affairs.

It’s a lesson Andover must learn quickly, but there was much to admire in this outing, as they dominated huge parts of the game and showed that they can easily be a threat at this level.

Unlike recent weeks they began well and looked the more accomplished side, but on ten minutes were punished for the first of several basic errors that set the tone of the match.

A missed touch kick gave Effingham the chance to relieve pressure and as Andover scampered, a fine break led to an overlap in the corner.

Andover responded quickly turning over possession from the restart and from the resulting lineout, Niko Rowe crashed through to feed Jack Stott for a fine try.

With scores level things looked bright, but Andover then pressed the self-destruct button for the remainder of the half and handed the home side a lead they just could not claw back.

A series of silly penalties saw Effingham on the Andover line and although the ‘All Blacks’ defended the lineout well they were once again caught out wide as the home side retook the lead.

A further series of penalties gave the home side a further try out wide and crucially three points just as Andover began to get back on top before the break.

Andover lost Charlie Waite and Carl Sievewright but a return to basics after the break should have brought more reward.

Missed chances, including twice knocking on at the base of push over tries, meant the score remained the same and then came the moment that sealed Andover’s fate.

A dropped ball when Andover seemed certain to score led to a break and Effingham took advantage to complete their bonus point.

For the last quarter Effingham hardly touched the ball, but chances went begging for Andover.

The referee finally carded a home player for killing a pushover scrum but strangely did not award the penalty try which may have given Andover real hope.

However it was not to be for Andover who went home empty handed.

After the game coach Andy Waite said: “This is a step up in class and as at the start of last season we need to learn to play at this level.

“We are a very good side with some real threats all over the pitch, but sometimes you have to be more clinical and play the percentage game.”