Hendon floored by second half blitz

HENDON conceded 19 unanswered points in the second half to lose Saturday's Herts Middlesex League division two clash against leaders Old Streetonians. The defeat leaves Hendon five points adrift of the Old Boys but still just two behind the second

HENDON conceded 19 unanswered points in the second half to lose Saturday's Herts Middlesex League division two clash against leaders Old Streetonians.

The defeat leaves Hendon five points adrift of the Old Boys but still just two behind the second promotion spot held by Saracens Amateurs and Old Millhillians.

"The first half was pretty even with both sides scoring a try a piece," said Hendon president David Gershlick.

"However, we were given our marching orders in the second period as Streetonians capitalised on our handling errors to ease to a convincing win."

Defences were on top for the first half hour before a Hendon attack was intercepted by Streetonians outside centre who ran half the length of the pitch to touch down.

Then, in the last move of the half, the Old Boys mishandled at their own scrum on the five-metre line.

Hendon won their own scrum and No 8 Kosy Mutuma picked up to crash over and leave the half time score 5-5.

In the second half Streetonians' heavier pack gradually took control. Hendon defended stoutly and hit back with a period of pressure.

However, a handling mistake by the visitors' backs allowed the Old Boys to break away and score a converted try for a 12-5 lead.

Hendon heads dropped and the home side quickly ran in another converted try to stretch the lead to 19-5.

Yet, the visitors rallied and a superb run by Evan Hutchinson, supported by Connolly and Tony Connor, took play to within five metres of the Streetonians line. But the good work was spoiled when they conceded a penalty.

Another handling mistake set up Streetonians for the final try. The ball was kicked downfield and the home side were allowed to take a quick lineout and score in the corner.

Hendon squad: Cremin, Connolly, Sheehan, Middleton, Anyim, Hanby, Hitchman, Skipper, Gilbride, Hangie, Connor (Short), Connell (Cook), Patten, Connolly, Mutuma.