UCS Old Boys suffered a late defeat to Saracens Amateurs, who scored a decisive penalty with the final kick to run out 17-14 winners in Saturday’s Herts/Middlesex Division One clash.
Saracens had home advantage and went 5-0 up with a try, but UCS hit back as Lloyd Hughes touched down and added the conversion.
The hosts regained the upper hand going into the break, moving 11-7 ahead after two penalties, but the lead changed hands again as the Old Boys forced a penalty try – which was converted – and established a 14-11 advantage.
However, Saracens’ full-back kicked a 45m drop goal to equalise and, although UCS defended manfully in the final minutes, they conceded a penalty in the final play and Saracens grabbed a last-ditch victory.
Elsewhere in Division One, Hendon were awarded an away win against Hillingdon Abbots, who did not have enough registered players.
The two sides played a friendly and Hendon won 61-15, with Chris Kiyingy scoring four tries – two for each team.
Meanwhile, in Division Two, Haringey Rhinos kicked off their campaign with a convincing bonus-point victory, scoring six tries and keeping a clean sheet.
Gareth Kirk touched down twice in the first half and Hugo Murray, Charlie Rigg, Matt Peterson and Israel Lawson also crossed the whitewash, while Dan Rycroft kicked a penalty and three conversions.
Rycroft put Haringey ahead early on and Murray scored a converted try, while Kirk got over the line twice in succession to leave Haringey in command at the break.
Kirk was sin-binned after the interval but the Rhinos’ defence held firm and they extended their lead as Rigg set up a try for Peterson before going over himself.
Murray was also shown a yellow card but Mill Hill were still unable to find a way through. Instead, Rigg freed substitute Lawson, who ran 30 metres to complete the scoring.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here