Barnet Elizabethans suffered a second successive defeat after losing 17-12 at Bank of England on Saturday in Herts Middlesex League One.

Despite the result, there were plenty of pluses for Barnet over and above the losing bonus point they gained at Roehampton, as all the team, from prop forward to full-back, plus reserves, made valuable contributions.

On another day, they could have returned with a win, in fact some would argue they were denied a penalty try at the end of the first half.

The visitors started sharply and scored after a strong run and finish from Luke Williams, which was converted by Harry Eade.

Bank of England replied with a penalty and a try of their own but Matt Nicholas powered over the line for Elizabethans to give them a 12-10 lead at the break.

It could have been more but despite Bank conceding penalty after penalty on the five-metre line, the referee failed to away a try.

In the second half, the Bank had most of the possession yet could not break Barnet down, resorting instead to long-range penalty kicks, one of which rebounded off the crossbar.

In the end, the Bank forced a converted try to go five points ahead, leaving the visitors just over ten minutes to try and save the game. But, despite a late rally, Barnet could not rescue the match.

Elizabethans return to action on Saturday at home to Cheshunt.

The RFU will be at the club between 5.30pm and 7.30pm tonight (Thursday) with Sky Sports News to film both mini and senior teams training plus a short game with the colts.

Barnet were selected as a grass-roots club which has benefited from RFU grants. The RFU’s intention is to showcase the World Cup at Twickenham in a year’s time.

During the event, Barnet will be presented with the RFU Club Accreditation Award.