Herts/Middlesex One: London French 12 Hendon 20

Hendon ended a run of three straight defeats in Herts/Middlesex One with a 20-12 win away to London French.

From the start, Hendon dominated in all quarters to keep play in London French territory, but carries from Paul Julian, Donal O’Sullivan and TJ O’Sullivan were all stopped short by the home defence.

After 10 minutes, scrum half JP Cremin went up the blind side from a set piece on the London French 22 to set up Alex Whittaker on the wing to score a corner try.

French came back at Hendon, but the visitors’ defence held firm, before another blind side run from defence by fullback Stuart Dogan with Cian Hynes finishingin the corner to make it 10-0.

Though Hendon now seemed to have the upper hand, it was the home outfit on the half hour that were back on the attack with several try attempts stopped short.

French were then awarded a penalty try for a high tackle in the red zone, with Hendon reduced to 14 men after having a player sin binned.

Just before the break, Hendon set up a rolling maul from the 22 to the five-metre line which was stopped.

However, after several pick-ups, TJ O’Sullivan was successful to cross the whitewash and score again out wide to extend Hendon’s lead to 15-7 heading in to the break.

Early in the second period and after several attempts to score, Hendon secured their fourth try from a quickly taken tap penalty by TJ O’Sullivan, who scored his second of the day.

French then came to life and the game was end to end, with Hendon looking for their fifth try, whilst the hosts went in search of a losing bonus point with another converted try.

In the closing minutes, French were successful with a push over try, but failed to convert as they fell short of picking of that losing bonus point.

It was, however, a welcome return to winning ways in the league for Hendon, who are eighth, but now just one point off Saracens Amateurs in fifth.

Hendon entertain Old Actonians this Saturday with a 2.30 pm kick off.