Hendon battle back but late penalty condemns them to a painful defeat at Uxbridge

Hendon battled back from behind to take a 75th-minute lead at Uxbridge – but a late penalty kick condemned them to a 17-16 defeat in Herts/Middlesex Division Two.

Having earned their first win of the season the previous weekend, Hendon picked up the first points as Michael Evans slotted over a penalty to give his side a 3-0 lead.

However, the hosts then exerted sustained pressure and scored three penalties of their own in the first period, going into the break 9-3 to the good.

Uxbridge came out flying after the interval and scored a try out wide to extend their lead to 14-3 – but, with 25 minutes to save the game, Hendon fought back.

Pushing into Uxbridge territory, they won a penalty – which Evans converted – and from the kick-off Paul Geraghty beat several defenders to make his way into the 22, and John McCarthy was on hand to finish with a splendid individual try, which Evans converted to narrow the gap to close the deficit to one point at 14-13.

Hendon’s front row were now too strong for their hosts, who conceded another penalty, and Evans slotted over to give his side a deserved 16-14 lead with five minutes to go.

However, they then tried to run the ball rather than keeping it tight, resulting in a costly turn-over as Uxbridge won a 78th-minute penalty and regained the lead.

Hendon were awarded a further penalty at the death but the kick at goal was just short and the visitors had to settle for a bonus point for being within seven points of the victors.