Do you know this beast ?

[magpies]

Lots of this spider in our neighbourhood and we can't find it in our reference book. They are about 1.5" from nose to tail, black, hairy, long slim front body, short round rear bit (please excuse non-technical terminology!) with a pattern on it. They are feisty and don't run when challenged until you point a camera at them but will keep trying so I can post a picture - anyone recognise the beasties ?

[Dogghound]

Think your going to need to get a photo of this one, catch if first in a jar. The description does not narrow it down enough.

[Juliet1200]

Could they be house spiders (tegenaria)? There's lots of them around at the moment. The shape of the abdomen (back bit) seems to vary quite a bit - I think it's the females that have the more rounded shape, but don't quote me on that.