Hendon lost their top-of-the-table clash away at Saracens Amateurs, slipping nine points behind the leaders, who have won all of their 10 games in Herts/Middlesex Division Two.

The second-placed Dons, who had only lost one of their previous nine matches, conceded the opening try inside the first five minutes, and Saracens then kicked two penalties before scoring another try to go 16-0 up.

Derry O’Connor got Hendon onto the board with a penalty, but there were no scores in the second half – although Chris Towndrow was twice adjudged to have been held up over the line in quick succession, first from a rolling maul and then from the ensuing scrum.

The ball appeared to have been grounded on the second occasion but the Dons were denied their chance to fight back. They are next in action on Saturday January 30, hosting Thamesians.