Sat 2 Oct 2021
Hendon RFC 20 - 16 Harrow RFC
Hendon Front Row Forwards Excel
Playing in the most atrocious wet weather, which was unrelenting throughout this League match, both teams put up a spirited performance with handling errors aplenty as the balls were no better than a slippery soap bar.
However, it was Hendon to score first coming from defence following an attacking move by Harrow which failed after losing the wet ball out wide for Will Theaker to collect on the Hendon 10 metre line to run the length of the pitch, pushing aside two defenders to touch down out wide for an unconverted try to give Hendon a 5-0 lead.
Returning to attack, Harrow were awarded two penalties as the home outfit defended their 22; both kicks succeeding and Harrow took the lead midway through the first period 5 points to 6.
Hendon were now in control of the scrum from the front row of Nick Andrews, Nick Pope and Luke Pollard pushing the Harrow scrum backwards to delay the fast running Harrow back line from receiving quick possession; then a defensive error allowed the Harrow backs to swing the ball out wide, breaking the Hendon defensive wall to score a converted try to go further ahead at 5 points to 13. Then just before the break, Hendon were caught offside as the visitors attacked down the slope with the penalty kick giving Harrow a comfortable lead at half time of 5-16.
Into the 2nd period, Hendon now had the slope with wind and rain behind them putting Harrow under pressure to defend their own territory, especially from long kicks by man of the match Jack Ryan, one being a 50/20 kick giving Hendon the line out. From the resulting maul from 10 metres out Hendon crossed the line for Nick Pope to score an unconverted try to cut the lead to 10-16 bringing the the home outfit back in business.
Into the last 20 minutes, Harrow continued to defend well but were caught offside in the 22 allowing Ryan to slot over to draw close at 13-16.
With time running out, Hendon could not breach the Harrow defence, until in the closing minutes another long kick by Cian Hynes, knocked on by Harrow in defence gave Hendon the attacking scrum which came close to the Harrow line before collapsing giving Hendon a penalty.
Captain Toby Ikwueke could have gone for the kick to equalize but knowing his scrum should deliver went for another scrum, again collapsed by Harrow; Hendon were again prevented from scoring on a further two attempts with No 8 Marius Von Moltke finally picking up just short of the line but stopped by two offside defenders. The referee had no alternative but to award Hendon a penalty try with an automatic 7 points to take them back into the lead at 20 points to 16 and that concluded another tight League Match for Hendon.
Director of Rugby Phil Smith said after the match "That was a tough examination of our credentials for this higher League. Both clubs had key personnel missing but our scrum was dominant and that was the difference in the second half. Next week is the re-run against Finchley which will be another stern test but I am sure that the boys are up for it and enjoying proving themselves worthy competitors in this League. Well done too to the 2nd XV for their win against St Albans and welcome to the Middlesex University players who participated in the Freshers camp. I am sure some of them will join us as we build into the season."
