Sat 8 May 2021, 15:00
Both Finchley and Hendon played an even spread of 1st and 2nd team players and each team rotated their players throughout the match which was again played under Adapted Laws without scrums and mauls but with full tackling and line-outs.
With the strong wind to their backs, it was Finchley on the attack in the opening 10 minutes with Hendon committed to defending successfully their territory. Then a break from defence saw Hendon’s Luke Pollard storm through three tackles from midfield to the Finchley 22 then off-loading to fly half Rob Casey who scored under the posts with Cian Hynes slotting over the conversion for Hendon to take the lead 0-7.
Finchley continued to kick into the Hendon 22 with the wind but Hendon defence held out with full back Charlie Scarr excelling. However Finchley broke through the Hendon defence on 25 minutes and created an overlap in attack with their winger finishing off with a converted try to even the scores at 7-7.
Another score to Finchley after taking the advantage from a Hendon miss-pass from defence gave them a narrow lead at 12-7. However, into the wind Hendon continued to keep the ball tight and back row Rossa Dooley (Man of the Match) made carry after carry from defence allowing in the 35th minute Hynes to set up a backline move to the Finchley 22 which was finally finished by new scrum half “Dobby” Wildman to score an unconverted try out wide for Hendon to draw level 12-12 at the break.
Starting the second half now with the wind in their favour, Hendon were straight into attack with Chris Kiyingi collecting from Aidan McCarthy on the Finchley 22 to power over for a try converted by Hynes. Hendon now led 12 points to 19.
Prop Nick Andrews had the next carry from defence to the Finchley 10 metre linewith Casey then Dooley brushing aside several attempted tackles to score with Hynes converting 12-26. Hendon continued to press but excellent Finchley defence denied them a further score.
Finally into the closing minutes a break from defence by Finchley ended with a try for their winger narrow the score line to 19-26, As the match concluded Finchley were attacking but Hendon’s resolute defence held strong to the end.
Commented Hendon Director of Rugby Phil Smith “Our Players adapted well to the condition for a real squad performance; despite picking up a number of injuries, the boys' desire to win and the pride shown was enough to see them home”
SATURDAY 15TH MAY
This Saturday Hendon return to Copthall for their match against Enfield Ignatians (Kick Off 3pm) but injuries sustained to six key players in the Kilburn and Finchley matches are now a concern.
SATURDAY 22ND MAY
The conclusion to the extended season will be the 66th Annual Hendon 7s on Saturday 22nd May with 16 teams competing in a two tier event.
