Wasps FC suffered their first league defeat of the season on Saturday afternoon as Old Haberdashers left Twyford Avenue with a 38–17 victory in Counties 1 Middlesex. Despite a spirited second-half effort and three well-taken tries, Wasps were unable to recover from a difficult opening period against a clinical visitors' side.

Old Haberdashers started strongly and took the lead after 15 minutes with a converted try to make it 7–0. They continued to apply pressure and crossed again five minutes later, extending their advantage to 12–0.

The visitors added a third score in the 25th minute and converted to move 19–0 ahead, leaving Wasps with plenty of work to do against one of the division's early pace-setters.

Wasps finally found a breakthrough just before half-time. Xavier Back showed excellent awareness and finishing ability to cross in the 38th minute, giving the home side a foothold in the contest. However, Old Haberdashers responded immediately with another converted try on the stroke of half-time to take a commanding 26–5 lead into the break.

The second half began with Wasps looking to build momentum, and Patrick Doyle provided exactly that. The prop powered over in the 49th minute to cut the deficit to 26–10 and give the home crowd renewed belief.

For a spell, Wasps enjoyed their best period of the game, carrying strongly and putting the visitors under pressure. However, Old Haberdashers demonstrated why they sit among the division's strongest sides, responding with two further tries during the final quarter to stretch the scoreline to 36–10 and place the result beyond doubt.

To their credit, Wasps continued to battle until the final whistle. Juan Perlmuter crossed late on in the 75th minute for the home side's third try of the afternoon, with Xavier Back adding the conversion to reduce the deficit.

Old Haberdashers had the final say, however, adding a late penalty to complete a 38–17 victory.

While the result was disappointing, Wasps showed plenty of character throughout the afternoon and never stopped competing. The forwards worked hard for their scores, while Back was a constant attacking threat and contributed both a try and a conversion. Against a well-organised Old Haberdashers side, there were valuable lessons to take forward as Wasps look to respond in the weeks ahead.

There was also recognition for James Cook, whose work rate and contribution across the park earned him the Player of the Match award despite the defeat.

Wasps scorers: Xavier Back, Patrick Doyle, Juan Perlmuter
Conversions: Xavier Back x1
Player of the Match: James Cook

Full-time: Wasps FC 17–38 Old Haberdashers