Penalties cost Hendon late on as they were beaten 18-17 in the Herts-Middlesex League Two by London French on Saturday.

Hendon were ahead after just three minutes when Mike Evan-Jones crossed after a run from Ger O’Donoghue, with Jones converting his own try.

Minutes later Hendon doubled up as scrum-half Cian Hynes dived over the line from out wide to extend the hosts’ lead to 12-0.

However the home side’s advantage was gradually eroded as the London French number ten kicked three penalties in quick succession to make it 12-9.

In the final ten minutes of the half, Hendon scored another try through Laurence Moor out wide after mauling to the line.

But a fourth penalty from London French ensured the home side would only take a 17-12 lead into half time.

A similar pattern followed after the restart, with Hendon conceding another penalty after Paul Geraghty was sin-binned for holding onto the ball too long, allowing London French to move within three points.

The visitors then went in front for the first time when Brian O’Regan was yellow carded. Hendon were awarded a penalty at the death but the kick drifted wide, leaving the home side to settle for a bonus point only.

Hendon visit Saracen Amateurs on Saturday.

Barnet Elizabethans were crushed by London Nigerians in the Herts-Middlesex League One on Saturday, succumbing to a 45-0 loss.

The original venue had been Hammersmith, but the game eventually took place in Hayes at the training ground of Queens Park Rangers FC.

London Nigerians were stronger and faster than their opponents and put pressure on the visitors from the off.

When the Elizabethans had the ball it was turned over, allowing London Nigerians to take a 21-0 lead into the break.

The same pattern continued in the second half, with four more tries – two converted – being scored, whilst the Elizabethans had a few attacks, none which were successful.

Old Actonians visit the Elizabethans on Saturday.