Hendon

Hendon

The Old Ashmolean vs. Hendon

48 8

This game was a top of the table clash in Herts/Middlesex 3. The two teams were both unbeaten to date and it had always been thought that it would be these teams, along with Saracens amateurs, who would contest the title this season.

After a hotly contested opening where both teams shared the possession, it was the Ashmoleans who broke the deadlock with a typical short range try from the ever poaching Hertz, who went over from a few yards after some good incisive backline play had taken the moles into range.

Hendon came straight back into the game after demonstration of their dull but effective one out style rugby. They continued to attack the fringes with strong runners and slowly made ground until the penalty came, which was duly converted. It soon became evident that if the moles could hold firm around the set piece and secure enough ball, that their more expansive style could cause Hendon problems. Despite stout defence, Hendon's lack of ability to clear their lines resulted in a scrappy touchdown from Grainger after he rose to take a sliced clearance and was ably assisted in his drive for the line by the forwards. The Ashmole fly-half then added to his tally with a second moments later, after a neat blind side attack forced Hendon to over commit and as the numbers told, Hendon simply ran out of defenders - leaving Grainger with an unopposed sprint to the line. Tries from Silvester and Smith followed as Ashmole began to make their finishing class count. Silvester's came after a typically robust run, where defenders were unable to put in effective tackles, while Smith's, in contrast, rounded off one of the better moves of the day where backs Grainger, Morgan and Doherty created for their winger to finish.

At half time the score stood at 28-3, which may have somewhat flattered Ashmole, but was testament to the fact that they were taking their chances. Hendon, on the other hand, were maintaining their possession well, with well drilled scrum and line-out, without looking overly menacing from long range.

The second Half brought added difficulty for Ashmole as the weather conditions were no longer in their favour. This, added to increased threat from Hendon made for a tight half. Hendon opened the second half scoring, after a combination of their endeavour and Ashmolean's errors lead to a spell in the Ash 22. Hendon were justly rewarded for their work with a short range score, which despite lacking flair was just what they needed to get them back on track. This half continued in similar fashion with Hendon showing their abilities and at times dominating possession, while Ashmolean's performance seemed to be less polished than has previously been seen. The home side made errors and without ever really looking like losing, it was evident that they were becoming frustrated both with themselves and some apparently short sighted refereeing. The last 15 minutes however saw a return to the norm, with Ashmole running in three exceptional scores from Martin, Silvester and Steenkamp and Spies being sin binned for what must be said was one of his more friendly exchanges. All three scores were owed something to the creative abilities of Steenkamp, who continued to ignite moves from deep positions. He was ably assisted by, among others, Morgan who on occasions showed the touches which have made him a positive addition to the Ashmole midfield. A word too for an ever impressive Ashmole back row, that did well to maintain continuity, despite the fact that their trio has changed consistently over the past weeks.

In all, a workmanlike performance from Ashmole, with some touches of the class that will hopefully allow them to maintain this winning streak (10 games). The final praise must be reserved for Steenkamp and Van Schalk Wyk who signed off for Ashmoleans today. Van Schalk Wyk making a cameo appearance despite suffering a serious head injury recently. These players will be sorely missed, as they have been two of the shining lights in this young side since their joining in 2001. They both return to South Africa with the best wishes of The Old Ashmoleans and a suitcase full of memorable success.

Tries: Hertz, Grainger (2), Silvester (2), Smith, Martin, Steenkamp

Cons: Martin (4)


	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 The Old Ashmolean vs. Hendon 48 8 This game was a top of the table clash in Herts/Middlesex 3. The two teams were both unbeaten to date and it had always been thought that it would be these teams, along with Saracens amateurs, who would contest the title this season. After a hotly contested opening where both teams shared the possession, it was the Ashmoleans who broke the deadlock with a typical short range try from the ever poaching Hertz, who went over from a few yards after some good incisive backline play had taken the moles into range. Hendon came straight back into the game after demonstration of their dull but effective one out style rugby. They continued to attack the fringes with strong runners and slowly made ground until the penalty came, which was duly converted. It soon became evident that if the moles could hold firm around the set piece and secure enough ball, that their more expansive style could cause Hendon problems. Despite stout defence, Hendon's lack of ability to clear their lines resulted in a scrappy touchdown from Grainger after he rose to take a sliced clearance and was ably assisted in his drive for the line by the forwards. The Ashmole fly-half then added to his tally with a second moments later, after a neat blind side attack forced Hendon to over commit and as the numbers told, Hendon simply ran out of defenders - leaving Grainger with an unopposed sprint to the line. Tries from Silvester and Smith followed as Ashmole began to make their finishing class count. Silvester's came after a typically robust run, where defenders were unable to put in effective tackles, while Smith's, in contrast, rounded off one of the better moves of the day where backs Grainger, Morgan and Doherty created for their winger to finish. At half time the score stood at 28-3, which may have somewhat flattered Ashmole, but was testament to the fact that they were taking their chances. Hendon, on the other hand, were maintaining their possession well, with well drilled scrum and line-out, without looking overly menacing from long range. The second Half brought added difficulty for Ashmole as the weather conditions were no longer in their favour. This, added to increased threat from Hendon made for a tight half. Hendon opened the second half scoring, after a combination of their endeavour and Ashmolean's errors lead to a spell in the Ash 22. Hendon were justly rewarded for their work with a short range score, which despite lacking flair was just what they needed to get them back on track. This half continued in similar fashion with Hendon showing their abilities and at times dominating possession, while Ashmolean's performance seemed to be less polished than has previously been seen. The home side made errors and without ever really looking like losing, it was evident that they were becoming frustrated both with themselves and some apparently short sighted refereeing. The last 15 minutes however saw a return to the norm, with Ashmole running in three exceptional scores from Martin, Silvester and Steenkamp and Spies being sin binned for what must be said was one of his more friendly exchanges. All three scores were owed something to the creative abilities of Steenkamp, who continued to ignite moves from deep positions. He was ably assisted by, among others, Morgan who on occasions showed the touches which have made him a positive addition to the Ashmole midfield. A word too for an ever impressive Ashmole back row, that did well to maintain continuity, despite the fact that their trio has changed consistently over the past weeks. In all, a workmanlike performance from Ashmole, with some touches of the class that will hopefully allow them to maintain this winning streak (10 games). The final praise must be reserved for Steenkamp and Van Schalk Wyk who signed off for Ashmoleans today. Van Schalk Wyk making a cameo appearance despite suffering a serious head injury recently. These players will be sorely missed, as they have been two of the shining lights in this young side since their joining in 2001. They both return to South Africa with the best wishes of The Old Ashmoleans and a suitcase full of memorable success. Tries: Hertz, Grainger (2), Silvester (2), Smith, Martin, Steenkamp Cons: Martin (4)