Watford suffered their first league defeat in a year as they were beaten 40-34 at home by Harlequins Amateurs.

Quins took the lead early on by scoring in the corner, but Watford hit back swiftly when debutant Simon Bram kicked a simple penalty.

However Watford conceded a second try inside the opening ten minutes when another kick was spilled, allowing Quins to nip in and score.

Having won a penalty from 20 metres, Watford elected to run the ball rather than kick it, and were rewarded when Bram found Paul Dunlop to cross the line.

From a stolen lineout Watford then charged up field took the lead for the first time. Following a knock-on by Dave Kingsford, Watford turned over possession from the scum, allowing Dunlop to touch down.

On the stroke of half time, Quins got a converted try back.

Martin Lee peeled off the back of a maul to score for Watford after the break, but three tries in quick succession saw Quins take control of the contest.

A second try from captain Lee gave Watford a glimmer of hope as they moved within six points of their visitors. But, chasing the points which would turn the game in their favour with the final play, Watford knocked on defeat was confirmed.