Two tries from lock Fred Hosking helped Elthamians to an emphatic six-try victory over winless Loughborough Students at College Meadow on Saturday which sent them to the top of National One for the first time in their history.

It was a dominant performance from the home pack that laid the foundations for the win. With a strong wind behind them in the first half, they monopolised territory and possession and pinned the visitors in their own 22 for long periods.

But Elthamians were their own worst enemy at times, squandering a number of try-scoring opportunities with unforced errors against an overworked Loughborough defence.

Second row Michael Kovacic forced his way over from close range for Elthamians’ first try and his first for the club after only nine minutes. Tom White intercepted a loose Loughborough pass to score his third try in as many games, and kicked two penalties and two conversions for good measure as OEs secured a commanding 20-5 half-time lead.

However, Loughborough were given a glimmer of hope when they got on the scoreboard on the stroke of half-time when lock Owen Lloyd dived over from a well-worked front lineout move.

Despite having the wind advantage after the restart, Loughborough were forced to defend for long periods as Elthamians played the conditions well, patiently building through the phases and keeping the visitors hemmed in their own half.

Centre Kieran Moffat split the midfield to score an excellent individual try on 47 minutes before setting up Hosking just three minutes later with a searing midfield break and clever off-load.

When the lock crashed over again from a tapped penalty on 66 minutes, OEs were out of sight, leading 41-5 and in total control.

But to their credit, battling Loughborough finished the game strongly scoring three tries in in the final 10 minutes through Will Brown, Jamie Harding and Callum Watson to claim a losing bonus point, Elthamians replying with their sixth try shortly before the end through replacement Rhys Morgan.