January & February 2009
31st January 2009
Although beating Thamesians 10 points to 29, it was a stop start game and by our standards a poor display. Coach Nick Lovett was pleased with the win but admitted that the team will have to play much better to keep ahead of Old Grammarians and Wasps. On the 58th minute with the score at 0-26 the match went to uncontested scrums because of a Thamesians injury and this totally changed the momentum of the game by negating our forward dominance. Close scrutiny of the League rules will be necessary to determine whether or not the match will be recorded as a 0-0 'win', a 0-26 win or a 10-29 win. Jamie Connelly scored the first try, then there was a pushover try by the Captain, Eric Butler a feat he repeated in the second half. Winger Buzz Nunez also touched down for a try and Lee Linale with three conversions and a penalty completed the scoring.
14th February 2009
Belsize Park with a heavier pack took the lead with the first try of the game, but Hendon scored two tries in the first half in response and then no less than seven tries in the second half to take the win 55 points to 5. Playing up the hill in the first half Hendon's speedier backs were rewarded with tries by centre Michael Blake and flanker Frankie Light, with one of them being converted by Lee Linale. In the second half Hendon ran possession from all parts of the field and time after time caught Belsize Park's defence completely flat footed. First on the sheet was winger Wojtek Wolowicz followed by a second try from Frankie Light. Forwards Chris Towndrow and Jamie Connolly were next to cross the line with Lee Linale then adding a try of his own to his four conversions. Belsize Park's forward pack maintained their pressure but they had no answer to Hendon's backs' running game. Full back J P Cremin ran in a try from the half way line and Wojtek Wolowicz scored his second try in the corner to end a fine game for the home side, which ensured that they stayed top of the League Table.
21st February 2009
Hendon, once again found themselves faced with a heavier pack in the game at Royston and also played into the sun and wind in a fractious and disjointed first half. With the opposition intent on containing them in their own half through kicking Hendon found themselves down four penalties to one try at half time. Jamie Connolly had scored with a superb solo effort on one of the few occasions we were in their half but there were far too many mistakes for Head Coach Nick Lovett's liking.
Director of Rugby, Mick Harber & Head Coach, Nick Lovett are not impressed with the first half
The second half was a different story as the Hendon pack started to take control and Royston could not defend against our back row with Captain Eric Butler scoring twice and Jamie Connolly getting another. Once quicker ball was available, the backs also got into the act with three tries of their own. Without a kicker however, none of the tries were converted.
Will this be another against the head in the second half?
Jamie Connolly & Joel Curry look happy after the game - Wojtek Wolowicz, centre and try scorer, is more worried about his boots
28th February 2009
Hendon came through strongly in the last quarter to win 37 points to 10 against HAC in what until then had been a relatively evenly contested match. Playing uphill in the first half Joel Curry, Hendon's hooker, scored the first try and this was converted by Michael Blake. Penalties were then exchanged to make the score 10 - 3. Hendon then had to work hard in defence against the HAC backs and as the half came to an end HAC broke through to score a converted try to level the score.
HAC maintained their offensive at the start of the second half but a break out from defence saw Hendon's number 8 Kosy Mutuma start a move involving Matt Carter, Tommy Middleton and finally Miichael Blake, who crossed for a try which he converted himself. As the last quarter approached Hendon's superior fitness and forward strength and technique started to tell and the pressure was all on HAC. The dam broke as forwards and backs interchanged resulting in trys for Bobby Neave, Scott Handley and a final fine solo effort by full back John Paul Cremin. With the conversions Michael Blake took his personal tally to 17 points.
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