Crossman secures victory for UCS Old Boys while Hendon get a walkover

UCS Old Boys threw away a 14-point lead and found themselves trailing against Bank of England in Herts/Middlesex Division One – but they came from behind and Joe Crossman grabbed a late winning score in a 22-19 victory.

With Dan Stewart controlling the game, Rich Driver ran the length of the pitch to score a fine individual effort on his debut – and Mert Zabci then went over from close range to touch down for the second successive game and give visiting UCS a 14-0 lead at the break.

But, for the third match in a row, the Old Boys’ performance levels dropped in the second period and they stopped playing with ball in hand, inviting Bank to attack from their own half.

The hosts scored a converted try and, although Stewart responded with a penalty, they went on to cross the whitewash twice more to take a 19-17 lead with 10 minutes left.

But UCS rallied, attacking from under their own posts. And, while there was a suspicion that one or two of the passes went forward as the ball was moved from right to left, Crossman went over the line to turn the game on its head again and secure the Old Boys’ second successive triumph, leaving them sixth in the table.

Meanwhile, UCS’s second team beat local rivals Hampstead’s reserves 17-15.

Elsewhere, Hendon were awarded a home win in Herts/Middlesex Division Two on Saturday after basement boys Feltham informed them late on Friday night that they would be unable to field a team.

The Dons were given the full five points – including a bonus point – and therefore remain top of the table, although they were unable to improve their points difference, while second-placed Saracens Amateurs beat Mill Hill 66-5.

Hendon now have an enforced three-week break before their next league fixture because their scheduled opponents on December 5, Quintin, have resigned from the league, along with Ickenham.