Plenty of possession but no points for Hendon in Royston

Skipper Cian Hynes scored all of Hendon’s points in the second half but they were guilty of not taking their chances across the 80 minutes.

The hosts led 10-0 by half-time. They opened the scoring after 10 minutes with a pushover try but that was followed a sustained period of Hendon pressure.

For the next 25 minutes they were dominant in attack with winger Chris Kiyingi breaking through the home defence several times to set up mauls.

however, in most cases Royston were able to clear their lines and it was from another Hendon attack that they scored their second try.

Once the ball was lost Royston’s backs took full advantage with their excellent fly-half breaking through and setting up a try for their winger.

Hendon returned to their offensive for the remainder of the half but Chris Kumar, Roddy Walsh and Tom Mathius were all stopped just short of scoring.

A kick to the corner early in the second period set up a catch and drive from a line-out and a subsequent converted try for Royston.

But Hendon again rallied with Mick Culhane, returning from injury, leading the onslaught inside the Royston 22 and their got their reward as a driving maul was pushed over the line at the third attempt.

Hynes added the conversion to his try and Hendon continued to try and press home their possession.

Kiyingi again broke through and with Hendon’s back row of TJ O’Sullivan and Donal O’Sullivan together with Brian O’Regan looking to score, only the referee’s whistle stopped them.

The visitors were still committed to attack but were caught out again with long kicks that allowed Royston to score twice.

The game finished with Hendon again camped inside Royston’s 22 and their frustrations were summed up when TJ O’Sullivan crashed over but was held up.

The result sees Hendon drop one place in the Herts Middlesex One table to eighth. They face a tough battle in their final home game of the season when they play league leaders Old Streetonians on Saturday.