Hendon RFC reached the semi-finals of the Middlesex Cup Vase competition after a 30-23 win over Upper Clapton.

Hendon started well down the slope but without success having pushed the visitors backwards in the set pieces. It was against the run of play that Upper Clapton ran from defence, wrong footed the Hendon backline to score in the corner for the lead after ten minutes.

The next move belonged to the home outfit from the restart as Cosy Mutuma ran through the defence and Jamie Connolly was on his shoulder to score for the converted effort.

UC then pushed Hendon back and regained the lead with a penalty. Hendon maintained forward pressure through a makeshift front five of second team forwards, with UC conceding the penalty and Brown slotted over for a 10-8 lead after 20 minutes.

In this see-saw game UC got another breakaway try on the half hour to retake the lead. Mutuma again made the break and again backrow forward Connolly was on hand to score which gave them a 17-15 half-time advantage.

Hendon were soon under pressure from the attacking UC backline, conceding a penalty as they fell behind. The next ten minutes were crucial with Brian O'Regan pushing upfield and leading by example as captain.

This time the hosts were rewarded as full-back Owens came into an attacking line to score in the corner. But the visitors were not done yet and a defensive error gave them another try and the lead after 55 minutes.

A long penalty restored Hendon's lead and O'Regan crashed over for a well-deserved try to seal the win.

Hendon will play Hackney in the last-four on Saturday, April 21.