by David Gershlick

Hackney 53
Hendon 21
Herts/Middlesex League One

HENDON were without key players for this league encounter with Hackney, who continue to pursue promotion as the league's third-placed club.

Hendon were able to match the home outfit to midway through the second half when the flood gates opened and the visitors were flat footed.

Hendon were downhill in the first half but Hackney pushed upfield for 20mins, resulting in a penalty and converted try for a 10-0 lead.

Hendon's forwards were able to control the scrums and a turnover by Joel Curry enabled an interchange between Cosy Mutuma and Tony Connor to crash over for a much deserved try, converted by Scott Handley.

Hackney struck back with another penalty and a try on before half-time to finish 18-7 up.

Into the second period and as Hackney were attempting another move downfield, Hendon's Handley intercepted a long pass on the halfway mark to score and convert his own try 18-14.

Hendon then conceded two penalties to trail 24-14.

Still determined the Hendon forwards attacked the Hackney try line with an attempted pushover but were stopped illegally and Handley converted the penalty try to close the score to 24-21.

Then the game went away from Hendon as Hackney's backs, with the downhill slope, scored with ease as Hendon allowed in four tries and a penalty to go 53-21 up.

But but with minutes left Hendon should have got their fourth try and a bonus point as Connor went over for the touchdown, but the referee was unsighted and the try disallowed with the final whistle following.

This Saturday Hendon are at Home for a TBA friendly.