Finchley outclass feisty Old Street.

The game started well for Finchley who showed their dominance up front with the front row getting the better of their opposite numbers. This was accompanied by some good attacking running from the back line and good tactical kicking from Finchley’s number 10 Drew Williams. This early pressure from Finchley led to a penalty which the ever reliable David Tufft slotted over. 0-3

The visitors then went into their shells and some mistakes led to 10 minutes of pressure from the hosts, but some great defence by Finchley and good relief kicking meant Old Street were not able to cross the line.

This defence once again boosted Finchley’s confidence and this then led to Padraig Lynch going over for a beautifully worked try. With McLatchie being a decoy runner the Finchley backs then put together some nice passing for Hartnoll to feed Lynch who finished well in the corner. 0-10

Late on in the half there were some fisty cuffs between the Old Street No. 6 and Ed Buxton, with the Finchley number 8 unduly being sent to the bin along with the OS 6. Not content with being sinned binned for his team the Old Street player then found time to give away further penalties for his team when he came back on.

The 1st half finished with Old Street coming back into the game scoring a well worked try and converting.

7-10

The Finchley team were in for a stern talk at half time from coach Tim Bennett who was confident if Finchley could spin the ball wide they would get the better of their opposition.

This did not seem to sink in with the Finchley 15 who got off to a bad start in the second period, conceding a early try to make the scores 12-10.

This finally kick started the Finchley team who would prove too good for Old Street. This became evident when Jamie Hartnoll got in for another well try with Padriag Lynch turning provider. 12-15

Form here Finchley never looked back and although they should have scored more tries the reliable boot of David Tufft meant the men in red and white were able to grind out the victory. Old Street’s indiscipline (probably from the 6) led to 3 penalties in the 2nd half that Tufft never looked like missing.

Although this proved to be the reason for the win the highlight of the 2nd half had to be the moment when Finchley prop Joe Willacy decided to scare the opposition by playing without a shirt. If that was the intended ploy, it worked!! That accompanied by some great acting from the No.6 Will Dalton made for a very entertaining last 15 minutes.

Final Score 12-24

This win sees Finchley finish 2013 with 4 straight wins in the league and although at times the rugby has been far from free flowing it is nevertheless good to finish the year in this manner. On the day there were some good performances throughout the team in particular from the front row, David Tufft, Padraig Lynch and Drew Williams (with a cut on his head to prove his commitment), but Man of the Match this week goes to the ever consistent Tom McCAullife.

Next week Finchley travel to Dartford for the next round of the cup and then the league resumes with a game against Hitchin at home on the 4th Jan (don’t put the floodlights on!!)

This will be the last match report from me this year so to all have a great Christmas and a Happy New Year.