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."
Hendon RFC 2nd XV 14 points St Albans 2nd XV 5 Points
On what was a filthy day Hendon 2’s overcame a very tenacious St Albans side. The weather didn’t allow a fast free flowing game so it descended into a forward's battle. The Hendon pack performed heroics against a much bigger St Albans' pack and Helio Vincente Hendon’s number 8 deserves a special mention securing Hendon ball from the back of a retreating scrum.
The deadlock was broken just before half time when after a tap penalty Roman bundled over from close range to score. Faz Hendon’s fly half made the conversion to take the lead at seven points to nil.
The second half continued to be a scrappy affair with ill discipline costing both sides territory. Hendon again broke the deadlock scoring from one of the few times the backs got clean quick ball with Dan Evans avoiding the tackle on the 22 and sprinting in to score and again Faz made the conversion.
St Albans made a concerted effort to get back in the game but came up against a resilient Hendon defence which held out for long periods with only sporadic attacks mainly strong running from Shane Parr playing his first ever game of rugby which performance earned him man of the match.
St Albans finally scored in the corner with just minutes left and when the conversion was missed the game was Hendon’s 14-5
Mike Head the 2nd XV coach said after the game "That was an heroic display from the Hendon forwards today: in open play they had the beating of a much bigger pack and as a team all the boys put in a massive shift. I was very proud of them today and feel this is the start of something very good."
He had a special mention to the Middlesex University boys who this weekend turned up to the inaugural Freshers Rugby Camp held at the club.
"They had a fun introductory training session on Friday night then again on Saturday morning before playing a “friendly” game against a very good Hendon Vets team. Some good rugby was played by both sides despite the weather with the Vets coming out marginally on top but good fun was had by all"
Aiden 'Soppy' Power the 2nds captain said "We always knew how tough the fixture would be , but the intensity and passion of the boys was formidable! Forwards stood their ground against a much bigger pack, and the backs still managed to run their moves in terrible conditions! One of the best performances I have seen for Hendons 2s in years, St Albans were always our bogey team and the belief to beat them now sets out our foundations for the year!"
Hendon Vets XV
It was great to see so many 'old' players and their families returning to the club to enjoy a run out against Middlesex University students. On the most awful day imaginable weatherwise they came from far and wide to enjoy each other's company once again. Under the leadership of Cosmos Mutuma and Tommy Middleton they intend to play a number of competitive games during the season and perhaps enter a county Vets competition. Follow them on Facebook or contact Club Secretary Liam Murphy liam.murphy2905@gmail.com for more details.
Saturday 9th October 2021
Both the First and 2nd teams will be playing postponed matches: the First XV will be at home against Finchley and the 2nd XV will be away at Harpenden. Both games kick-off at 1500.
