HENDON ended up playing a hastily-arranged friendly against London League outfit Tring on Saturday after their rearranged Middlesex Cup tie against Lockside was postponed yet again.

HENDON ended up playing a hastily-arranged friendly against London League outfit Tring on Saturday after their rearranged Middlesex Cup tie against Lockside was postponed yet again.

"Lockside were ordered to play a league game and with our second string match called off because of a waterlogged pitch we decided to take the whole playing squad to Tring with the idea of giving some of the seconds a run out with the firsts," explained Hendon president David Gershlick.

"Tring play in London League division two - five divisions above us - but according to Tring's captain we gave them one of their toughest games of the season."

Hendon's scratch side hit the ground running and quickly went ahead with a penalty. And the visitors were unlucky not to have extended the lead when Eric Butler touched down for a try but the referee was unsighted and disallowed the score.

The home side finally opened their account late in the first half with an unconverted try for a 5-3 advantage.

Hendon then had their stand-off Hempel sinbinned for tackling off the ball and he was followed by flanker Jamie Connell midway through the second half.

Tring cashed in and ran in two further tries for a 17-3 lead. Yet, despite being down to 14, Hendon's brave defence stopped Tring from scoring again.

Tomorrow, Hendon travel to Saracens Amateurs in the Herts Middlesex League division two.

Hendon squad: McColgan, Gilbride, Hangie, McCarthy, Mutuma, Short, Doyle, Connelly, Patten, Cook, Butler, Sheehan, Hinchman, Hempel, Anyim, Middleton, Carter, O'Connell, Maughan.