HARINGEY Rhinos reached the final of the prestigious Hendon Sevens before going down to Old Ashmoleans 35-12 in a thrilling finale at Copthall on Sunday evening. The Rhinos, who scored more than 100 points on their way to the decider, recorded a hat-trick

HARINGEY Rhinos reached the final of the prestigious Hendon Sevens before going down to Old Ashmoleans 35-12 in a thrilling finale at Copthall on Sunday evening.

The Rhinos, who scored more than 100 points on their way to the decider, recorded a hat-trick of wins to top their pool.

However, in the final of the Teddy Knox Trophy, Haringey came up against the other class outfit in the tournament, Old Ashmoleans, and were well beaten 35-12.

Haringey (pictured right) opened their pool with a 21-14 victory over Hammersmith and Fulham, followed with easy romps against Cardinals (24-0) and Old Abbotstonians (33-0).

In the semi-final, the Rhinos easily brushed aside the challenge of Enfield Ignatians (24-5).

Meanwhile, in the Plate Competition - for second-placed teams - hosts Hendon (below right) lost 26-0 in the final to last year's champions Chiswick.

After losing 19-12 to Enfield Ignatians in their opening pool game, Hendon hammered Northolt 24-7 to claim a semi-final spot. They then proved too good for Hammersmith and Fulham, winning 12-5.

UCS Old Boys reached the other semi-final of the Plate before bowing out 20-7 to Chiswick.

In their pool, the Old Boys beat Old Hamptonians 24-4 and then lost 14-12 to Worth Old Boys.

In the Seamus Lavelle Bowl - for third placed teams - Cardinals from West London defeated Northolt 34-5 in the final.

"Overall, the standard of rugby was pretty good," said tournament organiser Craig Silver.

"It was pretty obvious that Ashmoleans and Haringey were the two best organised teams in the tournament. It was no great surprise they both reached the main final.

"We had just the one no show on the day - Borehamwood. In the end we finished up with 14 clubs as Old Hamptonians turned up with only six players."

Hendon round off the season - the club's 75th - with a dinner-dance at Hendon Golf Club on Saturday May 10.

pat.mooney@hamhigh.co.uk