Verulamians started the new year with a 22-3 home defeat to Cheshunt in Herts Middlesex One.

Vees started the match with the slope in their favour and a swirling wind that was going to affect the kicking of both sides.

Their forwards soon gained a lot of possession and territorial advantage and during the first half were dominant.

Within seven minutes of the start Ben Russell put Vees ahead with a penalty. Alex Ricci, Sam Crowne and Ben Russell carried the game forward in their favour until just a few minutes before half-time when the Cheshunt forwards managed for the only time to take the ball into the Vees 22.

A charged down defensive clearance enabled Cheshunt’s prop Greg Morris to score against the run of play.

From way out their kicker miraculously converted to give Cheshunt a 7-3 lead at half time. Vees missed three penalties, which might have altered the course of the game.

After the break Cheshunt found their feet and gradually reversed the home side’s dominance.

Even excellent line-out play of the home side’s second rows and scrums against the head could not stop Cheshunt scoring four unconverted tries to run out comfortable winners.

Verulamians seconds claimed a 27-17 win against Cuffley in a Merit Table Cup match.