A last gasp try for Hendon in their 27-24 home defeat against Old Millhillians gave the hosts two valuable match points in their quest to avoid relegation.

Hendon had started the game well and kept their visitors pinned in defence for long periods of the first half.

Millhillians made a mistake from a scrum on their five metre line and Jamie Connolly dived on the ball to put Hendon in front.

The home side continued to press forward and were rewarded with another try. Chris Towndrow crossing the line before Michael Blake added the extras to put Hendon 12-0 ahead at the interval.

Old Millhillians were much improved in the second half and they scored a penalty five minutes after the restart.

Hendon lost two players due to injury and the deficit was further reduced from as the visitors fired over another penalty.

The hosts had to do most of the defending but against the run of play they extended their lead as a long kick allowed Kelly to go over.

However, Millhillians managed a pushover score before the visitors took the lead and controlled the rest of the game. Chris Towndrow did manage to score a late try for Hendon which meant they received two bonus points for four tries and to remain within seven points of the winners. This Saturday Hendon visit mid-table Verulamians for their next League encounter.