Hendon established a 12-point lead away at Thamesians on Saturday but ended up on the wrong end of a 17-12 scoreline in Herts/Middlesex Division Two.

Judah Simpson and Brian O’Regan touched down to give the visitors a healthy lead after half an hour, but a comeback meant they only took a losing bonus point home with them.

Thamesians were on top for the first 15 minutes and won a penalty, but the kick sailed wide – and instead it was Hendon who took the lead five minutes later, with Simpson going over for an unconverted try in the corner.

The visitors’ forwards then pushed into the home side’s half with a series of rucks and mauls, with Harry Charles and O’Regan combining well.

And although they were initially stopped short, while the backs also failed to capitalise on a good move, the resulting maul gave O’Regan the opportunity to crash over the line – and Mike Evans-Jones converted to make it 12-0 after 30 minutes.

However, Thamesians hit back with their own driving maul before half-time, cutting the gap to 12-7 at the interval, and Hendon found themselves on the back foot after the break.

An overlap allowed the hosts to score another converted try midway through the second period, giving them a 14-12 lead.

And, although the final 20 minutes were very even, it was Thamesians who got the final score in the closing stages with a penalty kick, extending the winning margin to five points.