Finchley 1st Team delivered a heart-stopping, rain-soaked spectacle on Saturday, clawing back from a 13-point deficit to snatch a 17-16 victory against a fired-up Cheshunt. The drama, the grit, and a late twist of weather chaos—this one had it all!

First Half: Cheshunt Strike Early, But Finchley Fight Back
Cheshunt came out swinging, with fly-half Reese Shoobridge slotting a penalty after 7 minutes to draw first blood. The visitors increased their lead just six minutes later, as a pinpoint cross-kick found Jason Blee sprinting clear on the left wing. Shoobridge’s conversion stretched the lead to 0-10 —but Finchley’s resolve was just warming up.

The forwards answered the call. A bruising maul on the left flank, driven by sheer determination, saw Eoin Byrne crash over for Finchley’s opening try (25’). Though Shoobridge punished another infringement with a penalty (37’), the hosts went into halftime trailing just 5-13, the crowd buzzing with belief.

Second Half: Mellin Magic Lights Up Summers Lane
Cheshunt’s Shoobridge extended their lead to 5-16 with a penalty shortly after the break (42’), but Finchley’s backs had other ideas. Cue Robbie Mellin! The speedster ignited the game with a dazzling finish on the left wing, slicing through Cheshunt’s defence for his first try of the day (48’). Dom Goring’s clutch conversion narrowed the gap to 12-16, setting up a grandstand finish.

And Mellin wasn’t done. Just four minutes later, he struck again, racing past defenders to dot down in the corner. Goring’s nerveless conversion from the touchline sent the home crowd into raptures— 17-16 (52’)!

Rain, Delays, and Gritty Defence Seal the Win
Mother Nature then threw a curveball. A torrential downpour halted play for 20 agonising minutes at the 59th mark, leaving fans pacing the touchlines. When play resumed, Cheshunt seized momentum, camped in Finchley’s half with a scrum put in. But the hosts stood firm, their defence a wall of defiance. Tackles flew in, bodies were thrown on the line, and when the final whistle blew, Summers Lane erupted— Finchley had held on by a single point!

Final score: 17 -16

A Fitting League Farewell to Summers Lane
This pulsating win marked the perfect send-off for Finchley’s final home league game of the season. Huge credit to the entire squad for showcasing the heart and spirit that defines this club.

Next up: The 1st Team heads to Datchworth on Saturday 5th April—let’s rally the travelling army to roar them on!

Man of the Moment: Robbie Mellin’s brace turned the tide, but this was a triumph built on teamwork, grit, and unshakable belief.

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Match Report: Steven Rigby