Watford fell to their first defeat of the Herts/Middlesex 2 season, going down 27-26 at Saracens Amateurs in a thrilling contest on Saturday.

Played at Bramley Road in South after Premiership champions Saracens had beaten Worcester in a pre-season friendly, a number of fans lingered and the hosts thrived on that support.

Saracens scored three quick tries – two of which were converted – to leave Watford staring down the barrel of a hefty defeat.

But instead they rallied and a penalty try – converted by Simon Bram – finally got Watford on the scoreboard.

Skipper Martin Lee then benefited from a pushover try on the stroke of half-time to send the visitors in 19-12 behind at the break.

After the restart Lee helped bring his side to within three points by scoring his second pushover try with Bram converting.

And the same trick worked again as Lee completed his hat-trick following fine work from the forwards to put Watford four points ahead.

But Watford were caught out trying to protect their lead and a well-worked Saracens try floored the visitors at the death.

In London 2 North West, Tabard were 31-19 winners over Enfield Ignatians with two late tries from the Ignatians making the final score closer than it ought to have been.