Finchley Phoenix delivered a powerful second-half performance to secure a 34–15 victory over Hampstead 2nd XV in a fiercely contested local derby played in challenging underfoot conditions.

First Half – Derby Intensity
Hampstead started sharply and took the early initiative. After five minutes Shan Creedy crossed to give the visitors a 0–5 lead.

Finchley responded well. On 10 minutes, Sophia Grilli powered over to the left of the posts to level the score at 5–5.

Hampstead regained control after the restart, with Creedy claiming her second try on 15 minutes to make it 5–10.

The Phoenix backs began to find rhythm, combining confidently in open play. Centre Beth Jordan finished a flowing move under the posts on 20 minutes, with Bailley Oosthuizen adding the conversion for a 12–10 lead.

The momentum swung again when Hampstead applied pressure in the Finchley 22, and Lottie Brook crossed on the right wing on 29 minutes to edge the visitors back ahead, 12–15.

Finchley showed real determination before the break. A penalty in the Hampstead 22 led to a strong carry from star forward Izzy Brett, setting the platform for Bailey McIntosh to score on the right wing after 33 minutes.

Half-time: Finchley 17 – 15 Hampstead

Second Half – Phoenix Take Control

After some clear and focused words from the coaching team at the interval, Finchley emerged with renewed intensity.

On 50 minutes, Anastasia Wilkinson finished a well-worked move to extend the lead to 22–15.

Finchley were now dominating possession. Fly-half Sophia Grilli orchestrated proceedings superbly, setting up Beth Jordan for her second try under the posts on 55 minutes. Amelia Thompson added the conversion to stretch the advantage to 29–15.

Hampstead continued to battle, but the Phoenix defence held firm, showing real resilience to keep the visitors scoreless in the second half.

The decisive moment came on 62 minutes when No.8 Keirha Blake-Lightbody picked up from a scrum just inside the Finchley half and produced a powerful, determined run to score and seal the contest at 34–15.

No further points were added, and the final whistle confirmed an impressive derby win.

Full Time
Finchley Phoenix 34 – 15 Hampstead 2nd XV

A strong squad performance, clinical finishing in key moments, and a dominant second half ensure the Phoenix consolidate their position in second place in NC2 South East (North).

Match Report - Steven Rigby