Hendon Rugby missed a chance to seal a last-gasp win with the last kick of the game as Saracens Amateurs triumphed 22-20 in their Herts and Middlesex League One clash.

Saracens had the benefit of the Hendon slope in the opening period, and led 9-0 after half an hour after kicking three penalties following a trio of offside decisions.

The hosts replied in kind shortly before the break, but there was still time for Saracens to extend their lead, and add a fourth penalty on the stroke of half-time.

The disappointment was compounded when Saracens were allowed to run in a simple try to give the hosts a 16-point deficit to overcome.

And they did exactly that, Harry Charles and Tommy Middleton stretched the visiting defence before winger Chris Kiyingy was set up to score in the corner midway through the second period.

A repeat move just minutes later set up Kiyingy again, and he beat two defenders before again going over in the corner for a second try in quick succession, which, like the first, went unconverted.

Hendon added a third try in a sensational second-half comeback with Middleton crossing over, and led for the first time in the game with only 10 minutes remaining.

In a rare foray forward in the second half, Saracens were awarded a free-kick which was taken quickly by the visiting number 10, and his drop goal tipped the balance back in the visitors’ favour.

With two minutes left, a serious injury to an unnamed Hendon forward saw play switched to the second-team pitch with the hosts in an attacking position, and looking to overturn the slender two-point deficit.

But despite being awarded a late penalty 35 yards out, it dropped just wide of the posts and gave the visitors four points, while Hendon claimed a single bonus point.

Having won their first two games, Hendon still sit fifth in the early standings, despite having played a game less than their rivals at the top of the table.

This Saturday, they will look to bounce back to winning ways as they visit unbeaten league leaders Verulians.