Finchley RFC signed off their final home league fixture of the season in style with an emphatic 53–15 victory over local rivals Old Streetonians, on a dry afternoon at Summers Lane.

Before kick-off, the occasion was marked with a poignant tribute as Chair George Loureda and Nigel Clarke planted a tree in memory of James “Clarkey” Clarke, followed by a respectful minute’s silence observed by players, officials, and supporters.

First Half
Finchley started brightly but were made to work hard by a resilient Streetonians defence, taking 20 minutes to make the breakthrough. Sustained pressure eventually told, with Eoin Byrne crossing to the right of the posts to open the scoring (5–0).

Momentum began to build, and just two minutes later Finchley moved the ball fluently through the backs, allowing winger Rob Melling to finish well on the left and extend the lead to 10–0.

The forwards then took control approaching half-time. Strong phase play created space for scrum-half Inigo Saxon-Stone to dart over on the right (15–0), with Dom Goring adding the conversion (17–0).

On the stroke of half-time, Saxon-Stone was again influential, linking play before the forwards powered over for a bonus-point try finished by Ed Kiddle, converted by Dom Goring to give Finchley a commanding 24–0 lead at the break.

Second Half
Finchley picked up where they left off, with Paul Nevin crossing early in the second half to push the score to 29–0.

Old Streetonians showed real character in response. Following a kick out of defence and sustained pressure, winger Olly Milner finished well to get his side on the scoreboard (29–5).

Finchley quickly reasserted control. Patrick Lynch powered over on 58 minutes, with the conversion added to make it 36–5. Streetonians replied again through No.8 Elliot Handler (36–10), but Finchley’s attacking intent never relented.

David Tufft added his name to the scoresheet with a well-taken try on the left (41–10), before Lynch grabbed his second of the afternoon to cap an excellent individual performance (46–10).

Another try followed Try followed with Tuffty adding the extras to bring up the half-century (53–10).

Streetonians continued to battle to the end and were rewarded with a final try on 76 minutes, as second row John O’Connor finished a well-worked move involving both forwards and backs (53–15).

Full Time: Finchley 53 – 15 Old Streetonians

Steven Rigby