Chris Towndrow scored three of Hendon’s seven tries as they maintained their strong start to the season with another comprehensive victory, beating Mill Hill 49-13 in Herts/Middlesex Division Two.

The Dons had won their first fixture 50-12 and, although they were only five points up at one stage in the second period, they eased away to thump a Mill Hill side who had scored 48 points in their opener.

Playing uphill in the first half, Hendon took the lead as captain Cian Hynes slotted over a penalty – but the visitors got the first try, kicking a penalty to touch and driving over from the lineout.

Hendon trailed 7-3 for 20 minutes but took advantage when one of their opponents was sent to the sin-bin, driving forward from their own lineout before scrum-half Mike Evans-Jones went down the blind side and beat two men to score an unconverted try, while a Hynes penalty put the hosts 11-7 up.

Hendon struck first after the break as Jones sent Derry O’Connor over, with Hynes adding the extras. And, while two Mill Hill penalties narrowed the gap to 18-13, Hendon ran away with the game.

The front row of Liam Murphy, Mark Munroe and Towndrow scrummaged strongly and O’Connor went over again, while Towndrow and second-row forward Paul Geraghty followed suit.

Towndrow then inflicted further pain on a tired Mill Hill side with two more tries in the last six minutes.