Chiswick are hoping to have another good run in the Va se, but they almost went out in the first round on Saturday before finally overcoming visitors Saracens Amateurs 6-5.

This victory, following four defeats, could trigger off a revival as Chiswick prepare for this Saturday's home league match against bottom-of-the-table Harlequin Amateurs.

Saracens won most of the lineouts and had the edge in the scrums, but Chiswick ruled outside, especially on the wings, and the first real break was made by Adrian Lewis on the Chiswick right. The ball was eventually knocked out of his hands as he looked round for support, and the rest of the game largely comprised short breaks, in alternating directions, with knock-ons and off-sides proliferating.

With both sides missing a penalty and try-scoring opportunities, the stalemate was not broken until an hour into the game. Then Keith Luckman slotted over a penalty, only for Saracens to promptly reply with a try in the corner. Fortunately, Sarries offended following a drop kick by Lewis Hammond and Luckman landed another kick.

Sarries upped the pressure, and had two kickable chances in the last five minutes, but they were missed, presenting Chiswick with the narrowest of victories.

Chiswick: Donaldson, Campbell, Betts, Nicolle, Chraplewczyk, Adams, Robbings, Maguire, Luckman, Brown, Slattery, Gibson, Cheston, Lewis (Vere), Hammond.