Sat 4 Mar 2023
Saturday 4th March 2023
RFU Counties Leagues 2 Herts/Middlesex
Hendon RFC 10-46 Cheshunt RFC
A spirited performance by Hendon against unbeaten League leaders Cheshunt concludes Hendon’s League season.
Hendon were defending for much of the first half as Cheshunt took advantage of the Hendon slope but excellent covering by the home outfit kept the scores level for 25 minutes before Cheshunt ran in their first score from a defensive error. Then with a minute left on the clock in the half Hendon conceded a penalty in the red zone. Cheshunt took a scrum to push over for the second score out wide to take a halftime lead at 0-12.
Into the second half, Hendon attacked the Cheshunt line but an interception saw the away winger run the length of the pitch for another unconverted score at 0-17.
A further 15 minutes into play and the Cheshunt’ backline moved the ball wide to set up another score and it now looked like one way traffic with the score 0-22. However, it took another 15 minutes for Cheshunt to score twice again 0-36.
But Hendon heads held high as full back Cian Hynes' individual run to the Cheshunt 22 was mauled towards the Cheshunt line, who conceded a penalty. Quick thinking by scrum half Rich Roberts to tap a penalty and dive through to score for a much deserved Hendon try 5-36.
From the restart Rossa Dooley collected to break back into Cheshunt territory with TJ O’Sullivan finishing off for Hendon's second try out wide 10-36.
Chris Kyingi then led the next Hendon attack to collect and touch down for a further score but the referee judged the ball had been held up. A tiring Hendon struggled to contain Cheshunt as they kicked up field leading to two further scores at 10-46.
This Saturday's last scheduled league match against Finsbury Park was cancelled owing to the withdrawal from the Leagues by Park, hence the season is now over for the Copthall side with no further scheduled games. Hendon finished mid-table in the league and are now looking to rebuild for next season 23/24.
