Saturday 13th September 2025
Middlesex Merit League 2
Hendon 19 - 15 Thamesians 2
Hendon, playing first game of the season record a well-earned win
Playing down the Hendon slope and with the wind in the first half, Thamesians soon realised the benefits with Hendon on the defensive, conceding a penalty after 10 minutes, which was missed. However, an attacking backline move by the visitors gave them their first converted try after 15 minutes.
Hendon, with dominant scrums from the front row of Nick Andrews, Hadi Al-Bassam and Kan Cheng, were now able to set up an attacking position resulting in an equalising score on 25 minutes; it was No 8 Tommy Middleton who started the attack, breaking from a midfield scrum to the Thamesians 22 with centre Josh Lowes collecting to score and a Michael Oyekanmi conversion took the scores level at 7-7.
However, the visitors went ahead 7-10 on the stroke of half-time from a penalty as Hendon finished defending this close contest.
In the second half, it was Hendon’s turn to take advantage of the slope, camped in the opposition 22 for 15 minutes. Thamesians conceded several penalties, allowing Hendon to drive for the line to score, but opportunities were missed until Co-Captain Nick Andrews crashed over from 5 metres to score, and Hendon were deservedly ahead 12-10 after 10 minutes.
Then, midway through the period, Thamesians pushed up field and scored an opportunist try out wide to retake the lead 12-15.
But the match was far from over, with Hendon dominant in all areas with home supporters eagerly awaiting the next Hendon score; this came after 30 minutes from a long pass from Middleton to reach Milo Tingey on the wing to sprint from halfway, beating several defenders to touch down behind the posts for Brad McNally to convert for a 19-15 scoreline.
Co-Captain Michael Oyekanmi said after the match:
"We have trained hard for this first game and I am so pleased we played with heart, with grit and as one unit and not only was it a well-earned result but a statement of our capabilities. One game at a time, but a great start!"
