Harrow/ Hackney Bulls v Finchley Greens

In stark contrast to the previous Sunday, the sun shone for the Greens' visit to Harrow where they would also play a match against Hackney Bulls. A squad of 18 players were selected with Adam Bell, Max Johnson, Harry Brunning and Alex Lynch-Gonzalez making their debuts for the Greens. Owen Sexton and Cameron Ferns also re joined the squad after showing well at Grasshoppers.

The first match of the morning was to be against Hackney Bulls who we knew could be a handful, unfortunately they only turned up with 9 players so we lent them 3 of ours so they could field a team.
Finchley were slow to get going in this game with lots of dropped passes and knock- ons, fortunately our scrum was working well and was able to win good ball against the head. Finally we did manage to string a few passes together and the ball made it's way into the hands of Harry Brunning who hit his stride and left the Hackney defence chasing shadows as he scored the only try of the first half.

Half time: Hackney Bulls 0 v 5 Finchley

We made 5 changes at half time, 3 forwards and 2 backs to give everyone as much match time as possible. The forwards started working well as a unit, Finn Campbell ripped the ball at a maul well inside his own half and with an unnoticed hand-off was left in the clear to run in for the second try. Finchley kept the pressure on and soon were just a few metres short of the try line, the forward were driving well and Owen Sexton spotted a gap to dive through for the third and final try of this match.
This just left the conversions to be taken and up stepped Joel Grabinar for what was a first experience for the U11's this season. Joel successfully slotted 2 of the 3 conversions.

Final Score: Hackney Bulls 0 v 19 Finchley

The second match of the morning against our hosts Harrow soon got under way. Harrow were also 1 player short so Alex Lynch-Gonzalez joined them to make up a team.
Finchley started with the same team that had started against Hackney. The standard of our rugby was much better this time and although Harrow were good a taking the ball at pace our defence was more than capable of dealing with it. Harry Brunning was again first to break the deadlock, a fine break down the right and with his pace he was soon clear of the Harrow defenders.
A short break was taken at this point for a minutes silence to remember those that have given their lives for this country.
After the re start Harrow won a scrum just short of our line, the ball came out the blind side and their player was left unopposed to touch down in the corner.
This seemed to wake Finchley up and they started putting together some nice phases of play. Bert Edwards was next to stretch his long legs bursting through the Harrow defence and touching down.

Half time: Harrow 5 v 10 Finchley

Again we made 5 changes and 1 positional change with Alfie Marriage-Massey moving to full back and Joel Grabinar slotting in at fly half.
Finchley were a joy to watch in this half and it was the next try that was worthy of being seen again, Harrow decided to kick away possession and kicked it straight into the hands of Joel who jinked his way passed a couple of defenders before stepping inside to stop the covering defenders in their tracks then stepping back out and scoring in the corner, text book stuff.
Our 4th try was claimed by Pietro Perroto who again jinked his way through Harrows defence to touch down. Finn Campbell then claimed his second try of the day, this time it was more like the type of try he has become accustomed to scoring, head down and legs pumping. Our final try came after some great link up passing, Josh Bowles taking the final pass down the left before using his powerful running to burst passed Harrow's last line of defence.
Joel Grabinar added 4 conversions and Harrow successfully converted their only try.

Final Score Harrow 7 v 38 Finchley

After a successful mornings rugby the Finchley players were rewarded with their lolly!! (this is not a cash payment but a small spherical sugary treat on a stick).
Signs that all the hard work put in so far this season are starting to work and now we can keep building on the confidence gained from being undefeated in our first 5 matches of the season. Even more satisfying is that again we only conceded 1 try.
Well done to everyone who were part of the squad and a special well done to Alex who didn't manage to get a game for the Greens but didn't complain at having to play for Hackney and Harrow.

Next Match: 9th December v Wasps (away)

Mick