London New Zealand 5 London Scottish 27 The importance of the outcome of this top-of-the-table clash was clear to both sides before kick-off, but it was London Scottish who mastered the blustery conditions to finish in top spot in the league on points difference over their New Zealand rivals, writes Alan McKay.

With only five matches remaining, promotion remains in the balance, with any two of four teams capable of the title. However, the Scots should take heart from two consecutive wins, each with a margin of more than 20 points, over their nearest challengers: London New Zealand and Grasshoppers.

The Scots started with a gale behind them and this encouraged their forwards into another fine performance, providing skipper Steve Wichary with enough possession to dictate tactics and pin the home side in their own territory for most of the half. It was simply a matter of how many points the visitors could accumulate in the first 40 minutes and whether that would prove a sufficient buffer against the expected onslaught in the second half.

Mindful of keeping the scoreboard ticking over, the Scots were indebted to full back Cammpbell Aitken, who did what Duncan Hodge failed to do North of the border, a couple of hours later the kick the kickable. It was he who gave the visitors a lead with two penalties early on, one from a tough angle. The lead could have been stretched with a couple of drop goals, but the target was never in much danger.

Keeping the ball in hand proved the trick and flanker David Watt was rewarded with a fine try in the corner which Aitken converted superbly to make the score 0-13. Better was to follow as Aitken slotted a penalty from inside his own half and added another two shortly after for 0-22.

The Kiwis barely penetrated opposition territory and they must have questioned the wisdom of winning the toss and electing to confront the elements, especially when a blindside move put winger Morgan Garfield in for a try after some sterling work by scrum half Tony Devlin.

At 0-27 the only doubt was whether it would be enough.

The Scots were fortunate because the wind eased in the second half, although this should not detract attention from a defensive performance that had London New Zealand in a state of desperation. The only breach was a try conceded midway through the second half, but nevertheless this was a fine and emphatic win for the weather-beaten visitors.

This was a true team display from which no individual player could be singled out. With no formal fixture this weekend, the Scots have a little time to reflect that the season is by no means over and that their away record is a cause of some concern with three trips away from home before promotion is assured.