Watford began the new year with a disappointing defeat against high-flying Hendon, going down 33-16 in the Herts-Middlesex League Two on Saturday.

The game took place at Allianz Park, home of 2014 Premiership runners-up Saracens, owing to Hendon’s ties with the Men in Black.

In a fast-paced game on the 4G artificial surface, Watford quickly found themselves three points behind, when after five minutes Cian Hynes’ side converted a controversial penalty. A second successful kick soon followed, leaving Watford trailing 6-0.

And things got worse when Simon Bram was forced off after just a quarter-of-an-hour through injury.

Watford showed gradual signs of improvement and got their first points on the board when Tom McGee successfully converted a penalty of his own.

Hendon soon roared back though, a break from John Paul Cremin finished in the corner to put the hosts 14-3 ahead.

Tempers threatened to boil over as Watford struggled to break down the Hendon defence, who benefited from some inconsistent refereeing to resist their opponents.

However the visitors were not to be denied for long, as Sanchez Philpott went over after receiving a Martin Lee pass.

The extras were missed but McGee kicked his second penalty shortly after to make it 14-8 to Hendon at the break.

The home side then benefited from the unpredictable bounce of the ball – the effects exacerbated on a 4G surface – and Cremin was able to speed away after the bounce deceived Stuart Mainwaring and score.

Watford failed to learn their lesson and Terry Gilbride replicated the try to take the game away from the visitors.

With time running out, Watford found a glimmer of hope after good footwork from the impressive Paul Wilson allowed him to score in the corner.

Mike Evans Jones touched down for Hendon at the death as Watford fell off a number of tackles to allow the score.

With Quins not picking up any points at the weekend, Watford know victory over Chess Valley and Ickenham will guarantee a top-six play-off spot.