‘An impossible hill to climb’ (From Times Series)

Hendon thrashed by Hackney

9:00am Thursday 27th September 2012 in Sport

Hendon conceded 16 tries as they were thumped 100-5 against Hackney in Herts/Middlesex League One.

With several first-team players missing from the side, it was a match dominated by Hackney and they continued to cross the line with ease throughout the contest.

Hendon did have their moments in the match – they missed achievable penalties in both halves but captain Brian O’Regan did go over in the second period for an unconverted try.

O’Regan admitted after the defeat he appreciated the efforts of the players despite injuries and absentees leaving the side unable to cope with Hackney.

He said: “I only had a handful of regular first-team players available; the majority of the day’s selected side were players from the second team who could not realistically compete against an above average squad of 18 interchanging players available to Hackney.

“I started short with no replacements and when, after five minutes, we were down to 13 players through injury, it became an impossible hill to climb.”

Despite the heavy defeat, Hendon’s single try of the match was enough to keep them off the bottom of the league as Harlequin Amateurs suffered an even larger loss.

Hendon will look to improve this Saturday as they host their first match of the season against Bank of England Elsewhere, Barnet Elizabethans occupy the same position in London Three North West as they were beaten 22-17 against Cheshunt – the only consolation from the match was the losing bonus point they gained.

Cheshunt controlled they majority of the game and were 17-0 ahead at the interval as they crossed the line on three occasions.

Barnet could’ve gone in further behind but for a fine tackle from Rob Cameron which kept Elizabethans in contention.

However, the visitors did grab a fourth try in the 42nd minute to extend their ever growing advantage.

Barnet reacted and from a lineout, Lloyd Morgan found space in the Cheshunt defence to go over.

David Leadbitter also scored late on into the second period before Cameron sprinted 65 metres to touch down in the final minute of the contest.

The final try secured the bonus point for Elizabethans, who were well beaten on the day.

Barnet will hope to get their season up and running when they visit Wasps Amateurs this Saturday.