Herts/Middlesex Merit Table Three Cup: Biggleswade 22 Hendon 31

Hendon seconds progressed to the first round proper of the Herts/Middlesex Merit Table Three Cup with a 31-22 win away to Biggleswade.

Captain Aidan Brennan-Power led by example as he scored the visitors’ first try after four minutes from a well worked backline move set up by Alex Whitaker.

However, after a string of attacks, the hosts scored a try of their own, which was converted, to lead 7-5.

Cosy Mutuma was making his first start of the season for Hendon at number eight, but showed little sign of ring rust as he powered over for the away team, with Ryan Murtagh adding the extras.

Flanker Ben Gold then crossed for a third try for the visitors before the break, which Murtagh converted as Hendon led 19-5 at the half time.

Just a minute into the second half, Hendon moved further clear when Alex Whitaker scored a try which was then converted.

Mutuma, though, was sent to the sin bin for a technical infringement soon after, putting the away side on the back foot.

With Hendon down to 14 men, Biggleswade took full advantage to cross for their second try to make it 26-14.

When the visitors were restored to the full compliment, skipper Brennan-Power charged up the field, before passing to Helio Vincente, who dotted down.

Wing Moray Anima produced some darting runs for Hendon after the try, but to little avail.

Biggleswade were able to close the gap in the closing moments with a penalty and a try, but could not launch a full-scale comeback.

It meant Hendon progressed to the next round of the cup, which is due to take place on January 13.

The firsts, meanwhile, return to action in Herts/Middlesex One on Saturday when they host Watford after having last weekend off with no game scheduled.

Last time out, the firsts suffered a 53-17 loss away to Royston in the league to drop to drop to eighth in the table.

Hendon will hope they can return to winning ways at home to a Watford side who have only won once in their opening 10 league games this season.