Verulamians lost ground in the London North West Three promotion race with a third successive defeat – this time to fellow promotion chaser Stevenage Town.

Herts Advertiser: Joe Seymour in action for Verulamians. Picture: Karyn Haddon.Joe Seymour in action for Verulamians. Picture: Karyn Haddon. (Image: Archant)

Town’s 30-8 win lifts that above Vees who are now fifth after also falling behind Kilburn Cosmos.

From the start Stevenage’s attitude was more positive and robust. They played to their forward strengths in the open whereas Vees were stronger on the set pieces and had a majority percentage in the line-outs.

But too many times Vees lost possession in promising positions and Stevenage, particularly down the left, punished them with five tries.

Harry Mack scored Vees’ sole try and Alex Ricci slotted a penalty.

Herts Advertiser: Josh Lawrence in action for Verulamians. Picture: Karyn Haddon.Josh Lawrence in action for Verulamians. Picture: Karyn Haddon. (Image: Archant)

Vees tough run of fixtures continues with a visit to Kilburn on Saturday, a trip they will have to make without James Hayes and Chris Gillespie, the pair suffering a serious injury and concussion respectively.

Herts Advertiser: Chris Gillespie in action for Verulamians. Picture: Karyn Haddon.Chris Gillespie in action for Verulamians. Picture: Karyn Haddon. (Image: Archant)