Hendon end year with loss (From Times Series)

Hendon end year with loss

5:52pm Tuesday 20th December 2011 in Sport

Hendon suffered heartbreak against Belsize Park RFC as a late converted try meant the visitors left with a 21-19 victory.

The host’s looked like they were going to finish the year on winning ways after starting the first half strongly.

Just before the ten minute mark a tap penalty meant Hendon set up a driving maul for captain Brian O’Regan to crash over in the corner.

Hendon continued to attack and runs from prop forwards Paul Julian and Alan Fortune set up another pushover try for Hendon with Jamie Connolly peeling off to score. The extras were added by Chris Byrne and the hosts went in 12-0 ahead at the break.

The second half continued in the same vain as the first and the home side looked as if they would extend their lead.

From a long kick, Park defended poorly and Hendon’s backline of Buzz Nunez, Tommy Middleton and Byrne prevented the clearance and gained a penalty, which was slotted into touch.

From the line out Hendon’s heavier pack pushed over the line for O’Regan to get his second converted try and Hendon were looking the better at 19-0.

Belsize then made some necessary replacements which changed the game.

With Hendon now defending, Belsize began to take control and after the hosts conceded a penalty, the visitor’s rearranged pack pushed over to score and then immediately put Hendon under more pressure and were awarded a second try.

From another midfield line out Park drew level. The ball was spun wide and the outside centre outpaced the Hendon defenders to score in the corner.

The conversion sneaked over the posts and Belsize claimed victory.

Hendon’s next game is in the new year away to Old Priorians on the 7th January.