HENDON were second best to high-riding Saracens Amateurs in Saturday's Herts Middlesex League division two clash. The defeat leaves Hendon fourth in the north section, four points off the second promotion spot, currently held by Old Millhillians and Saracens

HENDON were second best to high-riding Saracens Amateurs in Saturday's Herts Middlesex League division two clash.

The defeat leaves Hendon fourth in the north section, four points off the second promotion spot, currently held by Old Millhillians and Saracens.

"In contrast to our first meeting, which we won 31-29, this was a game with many fewer scoring opprtunitiies," said Hendon president David Gershlick. "We never had a sniff of their try line and having two players sin-binned did not help our cause."

The visitors found themselves on the defensive early on but sterling defence kept the rampaging Saracens at bay.

However, Hendon, who had Curry yellow carded after 10 minutes, finally conceded an unconverted try following a defensive error.

The visitors started the second half on the attack, thanks mainly to long kicks from full back Maughan. But again the visitors failed to threaten the Saracens line and it was the home side who scored again for 10-0.

Saracens made sure of the points when their No 8 powered over under the posts for a converted try and a 17-0 lead. And the home side wrapped up the scoring with a fourth try in the closing minutes.

Hendon: Maughan, Cremin, Middleton, Carter, Anyim, Hempel, Hitchman (Duvenhage), Skipper (Hangie), Curry, Gilbride, Connell, Connor, Connelly, Doyle (Cook), Mutuma.