Mill Hill were beaten in their preliminary Junior Vase fixture against Ilford Wanderers, going down 29-15.

Wanderers took an early lead through a converted try but Hill levelled as free-scoring prop Joey Healey crossed the line following a 40-metre counter-attack.

Ilford continued to push forward and, despite the resolute Mill Hill defending, they managed to score after a ruck.

But again Hill fought back and they equalised for a second occasion though a penalty through Mike Wilkinson.

However, there was just time for Ilford to cross the line one more time to go in ahead 19-12 at the interval.

Following the restart, Charlie Woollhead fired over a penalty to narrow the deficit and both sides then found it difficult to break down their respective defences.

Ilford scored a penalty of their own to edge further ahead before they added another try to extend their advantage in the contest to 14 points.

Despite Mill Hill’s efforts to get back over the Ilford line in the last five minutes, they were unable to break down a stubborn backline and the contest ended with the score on 29-15.

Meanwhile, Barnet Elizabethans’ preparation for the new rugby season was disrupted when they lost two players to serious injuries in their friendly with Tabard.

After centre Sam Garrett had been stretchered off after an innocuous tackle, open side flanker Gareth Chapman suffered a neck injury which meant the player could not be moved. The game was inevitably called off with the score at 24 -7 to Tabard.

Elizabethans had began to fight their way back into the contest via a try from Matt Nicholas, converted by Ross Wilkinson. However the comeback was cut short due to the injuries.

Barnet begin their league campaign with a clash against Twickenham at Byng Road.