Hendon

Hendon

12th March 2005

Vs Hendon (away) Herts/Middx 3 North

Result 8-7

Ashmole were looking to extend their lead at the top of the table while Hendon were hoping to boost their chances of promotion following some fortuitous points reshuffling involving Saracens and themselves.

Ashmole were still suffering from a long list of injuries and following their recent poor performances they were hoping to get back to winning ways.

Hendon had endured a heavy defeat when the teams met earlier in the season at Firs Lane but they started this game a lot brighter. Ashmole struggled to put any phases of play together, from the very beginning they looked sluggish and disinterested.Hendon defended admirably and their forwards bullied Ashmole all over the park, Hendon looked stronger and fired up to take the win at all costs.

On top of OA's inability to keep the ball they were frustrated by the referees poor knowledge of front row gamesmanship. As Hendon tried to over power Ashmole it was the referee who aided them, sin binning OA's front row Jacob for what he believed to be illegal binding. It was however obvious in my point of view that it was the Hendon prop who failed to handle his opposite number and on nearly ever occasion slipped his binding.

Despite failing to put passes together Ashmole scored the first try through centre Johan, one of the few OA's players who seemed to put in the desired amount of effort.

Andy kicked the conversion but unfortunately failed to extend OA's lead, missing two further penalties.

The second half got worse for Ashmole as the impetuous shifted towards Hendon. As OA's gave away penalty after penalty, Hendon pressed closer to getting an equalising try.

The Hendon pack had gained a clear advantage by the mid point of the second half and it was a brilliant forwards effort that got them the try they worked so hard for.

Following the try Hendon kicked themselves into the lead with a penalty but it was so nearly in vain for the home side when in the 78th minute Andy had the chance to clinch the match with a late penalty themselves. The distance and wind however was just too much and Hendon were able to rejoice in a well deserved win and one that may give them promotion.

Ashmole were devastated with the result, it is an awful dent in their season and the first time in over two years that they have lost two games in a row. It is only their second league defeat in two seasons and now puts real pressure on their final two games against Saracens and Hackney.

OA's coach Emile will be working the squad hard after this recent slump in form and concentrating on key forwards play, an area that has been of great concern recently.Next up for Ashmole is a home game against local rivals Old Tottonians where the home side will be hoping to make it 2-0 in this years derby games against the Tottenham based side.

Scorers = Johan

Pens/Cons = none


	Top Scorers 2004/5 SEASON \| Hendon \| Totts \| Saracens Ams \| Ignations \| Woodford \| Hemel \| Watford \| Totts \| Hackney \| Saracens Ams \| Hendon \| Harrow \| Letchworth \| Watford \| Ilford \| Hatfield \| Upper Clapton \| West London \| Mill Hill \| Aylestone Hendon 12th March 2005 Vs Hendon (away) Herts/Middx 3 North Result 8-7 Ashmole were looking to extend their lead at the top of the table while Hendon were hoping to boost their chances of promotion following some fortuitous points reshuffling involving Saracens and themselves. Ashmole were still suffering from a long list of injuries and following their recent poor performances they were hoping to get back to winning ways. Hendon had endured a heavy defeat when the teams met earlier in the season at Firs Lane but they started this game a lot brighter. Ashmole struggled to put any phases of play together, from the very beginning they looked sluggish and disinterested.Hendon defended admirably and their forwards bullied Ashmole all over the park, Hendon looked stronger and fired up to take the win at all costs. On top of OA's inability to keep the ball they were frustrated by the referees poor knowledge of front row gamesmanship. As Hendon tried to over power Ashmole it was the referee who aided them, sin binning OA's front row Jacob for what he believed to be illegal binding. It was however obvious in my point of view that it was the Hendon prop who failed to handle his opposite number and on nearly ever occasion slipped his binding. Despite failing to put passes together Ashmole scored the first try through centre Johan, one of the few OA's players who seemed to put in the desired amount of effort. Andy kicked the conversion but unfortunately failed to extend OA's lead, missing two further penalties. The second half got worse for Ashmole as the impetuous shifted towards Hendon. As OA's gave away penalty after penalty, Hendon pressed closer to getting an equalising try. The Hendon pack had gained a clear advantage by the mid point of the second half and it was a brilliant forwards effort that got them the try they worked so hard for. Following the try Hendon kicked themselves into the lead with a penalty but it was so nearly in vain for the home side when in the 78th minute Andy had the chance to clinch the match with a late penalty themselves. The distance and wind however was just too much and Hendon were able to rejoice in a well deserved win and one that may give them promotion. Ashmole were devastated with the result, it is an awful dent in their season and the first time in over two years that they have lost two games in a row. It is only their second league defeat in two seasons and now puts real pressure on their final two games against Saracens and Hackney. OA's coach Emile will be working the squad hard after this recent slump in form and concentrating on key forwards play, an area that has been of great concern recently.Next up for Ashmole is a home game against local rivals Old Tottonians where the home side will be hoping to make it 2-0 in this years derby games against the Tottenham based side. Scorers = Johan Pens/Cons = none