After only 5 minutes everyone thought that Chesunt had opened the scoring when Mercy Onu went on a storming run. Much to the relief of the Finchley Team and Supporters, the Try was chalked off due to the player getting her bearings wrong and running over the dead ball line before grounding.
Both Teams showed why they have been evenly matched in the Title Race, with no quarter given in this closely fought match.
In the 24th minute from a Finchley Scrum in the Cheshunt 22,
Layla Campbell darted off showing a great turn of pace down the Left hand side to open the Scoring for Finchley 0 - 5. Cheshunt responded using their heavier, powerful pack to great effect and on 31 minutes No8 Emma Pitman went over on the right wing. 5 - 5.
Finchley after some calming voices from the Coaches, regathered themselves and started to play the phases driving into the Cheshunt 22. The home side showed superb defence to steal the ball back however while attempting to clear their lines, a wayward kick landed straight into the grateful arms of back of the match Bailley Oosthuizen who evaded a couple of defenders to score in the right hand corner. 5 - 10. Cheshunt regained possession from their restart and despite some resolute defence led by forward of the match Grace Hunter, Olivia Adam was on hand to go over in the Right hand Corner.
10 - 10 HT.

The pulsating game continued in The Second Half with both sides going back and forth until the 52nd minute when Full Back Ruby Glynn went on a fine run and looked as if she was going over for a Try however a desperate defender got her tackle all wrong connecting with Ruby’s head giving the referee no choice but to award a penalty try. Surprisingly the cards stayed in his pocket. 10 - 17.
On the hour mark a slick backs move was finished by Bailley Oosthuizen to get her 2nd try of the match 10 - 22. Bailley also Converted her kick to make the score 10 - 24.
On 64 minutes Taylor Carey made one of her Trademark runs through the middle, evading multiple Defenders efforts to stop her & she went under the posts 10 - 29. Bailley Oosthuizen added the extras, to give Finchley breathing space. 10 - 31.
Following a dubious Yellow Card for Hannah Tounkam on 68 minutes, Cheshunt took full advantage of the Extra Player & following a succession of penalties Olivia Adam went over to the right of the posts for her 2nd try on 70 minutes to score 15 - 31. This Was Converted to give score 17 - 31.
Cheshunt weren’t finished, on 74 minutes after a succession of effective Pick and Go’s, the ball was put wide to the Left Wing where Caitlin Dixon was waiting to Score 22 - 31.
It was a nervous last 6 minutes but Finchley managed to hold on for a memorable Victory to become Champions in their inaugural Season of League Rugby.

What a season this young side have had and here’s to many more.

Congratulations Phoenix, well deserved.