Watford made a winning start to their Herts/Middlesex 2 campaign as they secured a narrow 22-21 home win against Mill Hill.

The hosts applied pressure from the kick off and soon went in front. A turnover scrum allowed Ollie Hopkins space to release Tom McGee and he charged in under the posts, before the extras were added.

A second try was soon scored. Arron Connolly stole a Mill Hill line out which was subsequently driven over the whitewash by returning skipper Martin Lee for a converted try.

Mill Hill battled their way into the half and reduced the deficit with an unconverted try. However, Watford reasserted their dominance as Jon McClennon crossed.

In the second period, a penalty and a try got the visitors to within a point of Watford.

Mill Hill took the lead moments later after miscommunication in the Watford back line led to the ball being spilled before it was taken over the line for an unconverted try.

Watford stirred after going behind for the first time in the contest. A sustained period of pressure in the Mill Hill 22 yielded no points, with some dubious refereeing at the scrum ensuring the visitors remained ahead.

Excellent Mill Hill defence then prevented a try from a close-range maul but Paul Dunlop crossed the line after good work from Andy Lee with only two minutes left on the clock to secure a narrow Watford win.

The Seconds’ strong start to the campaign continued as they secure a shut out in defeating Hemel Hempstead Thirds 17-0.