Missed opportunities are costly as Hendon suffer home defeat against Feltham

Hendon’s inability to convert their chances into points proved costly as they suffered a home defeat against high-flying Feltham, going down 14-3 in Herts/Middlesex Division Two.

The hosts nearly made an early break through Paul Geraghty, but he brushed against a team-mate who was adjudged to be offside – despite not interfering with play – and instead it was the visitors who took the lead from a five-yard scrum.

Hendon’s defence held firm for the next 20 minutes and Toby Ikwueke then led an attack which forced a penalty, but the kick went wide, leaving the hosts pointless.

Ikwueke and Ger O’Donoghue combined again a few minutes later to win another attempt at goal, and this time Michael Evans was successful.

Then Ikwueke set up another move which gave Hendon an overlap, but a defender knocked down the ball, denying a possible try and being sent to the sin-bin.

Despite being reduced to 14 men, it was Feltham who scored the next try before the interval, taking a 14-3 lead into the break.

Hendon attacked again and again after the interval but could not capitalise – and their guests nearly increased their lead after a kick over the defence, with John Paul Cremin scurrying back to get the vital touch on the ball behind the try-line.

The hosts were immediately back onto the front foot and they should have scored from an overlap, only to see a flat pass intercepted – and their efforts to stage a late comeback were undermined 10 minutes from time as Brian O’Regan was sent for an early shower.