To score double figures in a League match is a remarkable feat, and Hampstead's victory by 10-1 over Bromley on Saturday at Claremont Road stands out as one of the best performances in London amateur circles. We have to go back many years to find such a big victory for Hampstead in a League match. If our memory is correct, it was against West Norwood when they were passing through hard times.

Saturday's win, following as it did a 2-0 victory at Bromley the previous week, has intensified interest in the Athenian League race, and on paper Hampstead's chances appear most favourable. Much will depend upon the results at Easter, when Hampstead play Enfield twice.

Contrary to expectation, Evans, who had been suffering from a damaged rib, was able to appear on Saturday, and he marked his return by scoring four goals, his best performance for quite a long time, and his success was very popular. He worked well with the other forwards, and it is worthy of comment that all five managed to find the net, Breagan scoring the last goal just before the end.

The result was due to all-round excellence. It was a match in which it would be unfair to single any particular player out for special mention. Knott and Broadis were advertised to play, but as Evans was available, Broadis naturally stood down, and Porrett again took the outside-left position. We should like to see him remain there. If not up to the standard of some of Hampstead's outside-lefts, he is a real trier, and is likely to improve. His goal was a really good one, and he was deservedly cheered. Seeney came into the half-back line, and one can imagine how invaluable he has been to the Reserve team.

The Bromley forwards were responsible for many attacks in the first half, and that they failed to score was a tribute to Hampstead's defence. Unfortunately, Bromley were without their outside-left, Seare, throughout the second half, owing to a strain, and while his absence had no bearing upon the ultimate result - Hampstead had already scored five times - it seemed to have a depressing influence upon the visiting side. Their only goal was scored shortly after the second half opened by Tuthill.

Bromley appeared to have a much stronger side than in their home match the previous week, Holbrook being at inside-left, Skeels at centre-forward, while Osborne reappeared at centre-half. An outstanding player for some years, Osborne was not at his best on Saturday. He compared unfavourably with Bucci, who again was a shining light. There were qualms when Bucci did not appear with the rest at the kick-off, but upon taking his place he was soon in the thick of the fight.

Bromley had to face the sun in the first half, a decided disadvantage. They made an early raid, but in less than five minutes Rowe had opened the scoring following an attack on the left wing. This promising start was maintained, the visitors finding it difficult to settle down to their usual game. Hampstead attacked persistently, a fine understanding between the whole team being noticeable. Porrett was pulled up for offside, a questionable decision, but soon after he sent in a centre which Evans easily converted.

A corner kick taken by Porrett was so well placed that another goal seemed certain, but although the defence prevailed, it was not long before Jowers was again beaten by Evans. Some little time elapsed before another goal came, although Jowers had little rest. A remarkable bit of work was done by Bloxham, who cleverly beat man after man, but ended by putting the ball over the bar when well positioned.

Holbrook put encouragement into his side by making several good efforts, but for the most part Bromley's shooting was not good.

Spalton, who often undertook a roving commission, and whose dribbling was a feature of the game, registered Hampstead's fourth goal, and looked like scoring another after Dean had brought the ball almost from one end of the pitch to the other. The last goal in the first half came from Rowe, the goalkeeper being out of position after a scramble in close quarters. Bucci, however, was within an ace of getting another with a hard shot which went just over the bar.

The play in the second half opened sensationally, Tuthill scoring for Bromley. For a short time, it seemed that they would recover some of the lost ground seeing that the Hampstead defenders were troubled, as the Bromley men had been previously, by the strong rays of the sun. Smith, in goal, had to deal with some troublesome shots, but showed good judgment.

A considerable time elapsed before Hampstead increased their lead, but once the ice was again broken goals came quickly. From a centre by Breagan, who was in better form than he has been for some weeks, Evans obtained No. 6, and after Porrett had had to be content with a corner when a goal should have accrued from his work, Evans, from the place kick taken by Porrett, scored his quartette. Porrett was rewarded for persevering work when, from a long pass by Breagan, he found the net. Spalton then had at least three shots not noticeable for accuracy, but at last he beat Jowers. Would Hampstead get into double figures? This was the one thought running through the mind of the crowd. Breagan crowned a very good afternoon's work by getting the tenth, and amid congratulations the Hampstead players trooped off the field well satisfied.

One can only hope that this form will be maintained to the end of the season. Hampstead have not such a full programme as some of their closest rivals, and this should tell in their favour.