On a cool and breezy Saturday at Summers Lane, Finchley RFC 1st XV took on Hitchin RFC 1st XV in what proved to be a typically competitive encounter between the two sides. Finchley dominated much of the contest and walked away with a deserved bonus point victory, maintaining their strong start to the season.

The match began with both teams testing each other, and while Finchley seemed to have the edge in possession, it took 25 minutes for the deadlock to be broken. A well-worked move saw Eoin Byrne crash over on the left side for the opening try. The conversion attempt was missed, leaving the score at 5-0.

Just five minutes later, Finchley threatened to extend their lead when a pinpoint crosskick found our right winger in space. Unfortunately, a foot in touch denied the try, and the score remained 5-0.

As the first half drew to a close, Finchley’s pressure was rewarded when the referee awarded them a penalty try after persistent infringements by Hitchin near their own line. The automatic seven points gave Finchley a 12-0 lead going into halftime.

Halftime: Finchley 12 - 0 Hitchin

The second half began with Finchley in control. On 46 minutes, a slick backs move created space for Dom Goring, who darted over for a try under the posts, giving Inigo an easy conversion to make it 19-0.

However, the match took a turn as Finchley were reduced to 13 men following two quick yellow cards. Hitchin seized the opportunity, and forward James Boulter powered over the line for a try. The conversion was missed, making the score 19-5.
From the ensuing restart, Finchley responded with determination. The forwards drove up the field, and Jack Mousley muscled his way over for Finchley’s fourth and bonus-point try, extending the lead to 24-5.

Hitchin, refusing to give in, clawed one back on 66 minutes when a perfectly weighted kick to the right wing found Marcus Goss, who crossed the line to make it 24-10.
Any hopes Hitchin had of mounting a comeback were dashed just three minutes later. Another powerful surge from the Finchley forwards led to a final try, sealing the match at 29-10.

Full Time: Finchley 29 - 10 Hitchin

This victory sees Finchley 1st XV solidify their position at the top of the league, with a dominant performance built on strong forward play and good finishing. Despite playing with two men down at one stage, Finchley’s ability to maintain control and secure the bonus point was a testament to their resilience and depth.

Earlier in the Day: Finchley 2nd XV vs Ealing 1871 2nd XV

The 2nd XV also put in a commanding performance, shutting out Ealing 1871 2nd XV with a 24-0 victory. Hugo Murray opened the scoring for Finchley after just seven minutes, with Charlie Dee adding the conversion. Finchley’s dominance continued with Khalil Niazi crossing the line on 28 minutes, although the conversion was missed, giving them a 12-0 lead.

Just two minutes later, a strong run by Paddy Lynch set up Charlie Dee for another try, which he duly converted, taking the score to 19-0 at halftime.
The second half was largely dictated by worsening weather conditions, but Finchley secured the bonus point in the 76th minute when Jack Fitzpatrick dotted down for the final try of the game, sealing the 24-0 win.