by David Gershlick

Verulamians 35
Hendon 35
Herts/Middlesex League One

Verulamians started with a flourish pushing the Hendon forwards backwards with their backs finishing off.

It was all one way traffic as Verulamians by the half hour had amassed five tries from their back division all converted for a 35-0 lead.

Hendon's centre Alex Whittaker then led the Hendon revival with a well-worked centre move downfield, offloading to winger Helio Vincente to score an unconverted try in the corner, 35-5.

Lifted by the try Hendon's forwards regrouped and Verulamians were offside with captain Lee Linale slotting over for a valuable three points to finish off the half at 35-8.

Strong words in the interval from coach Dave Maskell had the desired effect as Hendon's tactics changed with the forwards driving upfield against the slope.

For Hendon second row Luke McEnemy was supreme and created many of the forward drives that put the visitors on the Verulamians line, with number eight Cosy Mutuma picking up and finishing the moves for three tries, one converted by Linale to close the score to 35-25.

Mutuma was the man again as from a 22 lineout he crashed through the Verulamians defence to score his fourth try under the post for Linale to convert, 35-32.

With a minute left on the clock Hendon were again on the attack as they brushed aside the weakening Verulamians defence.

Verulamians were then penalised and Linale took the safe option to take the penalty for the draw with a bonus point as Hendon left the field as moral victors.