Finch take off

In sweltering conditions, a home team packed with youngsters fought back from being 10-nil down in the first quarter to deservedly take the spoils, thanks in no small way to an inspired display by man-of-the-match, back-row forward Damian Clitheroe, ably supported by much-travelled stand-off Dave Meadows.

Clitheroe made a number of defence-splitting breaks, as well as having a hand in four of Finch's six tries, while Meadows grabbed two touchdowns and also added six goals which ultimately proved the difference, with Latchford scoring seven tries but only able to convert four.

Finch hit back from that early deficit to lead 12-10 at the break, thanks to tries by Neil Burgess - after good work by Chris Mason - and Meadows who goaled both.

Meadows went in for his second early in the second half, but the visitors replied with another 10-point burst to edge ahead again at 20-16.

Finch then hit a purple patch with Clitheroe setting up tries for Ste Richards and strong-running prop Danny Flynn who then turned provider to send veteran Shaun Kilgannon over. With Meadows converting all three and adding a penalty for good measure, the homesters looked home and dry at 36-20 but their inexperience told in the closing stages as they allowed Albion to grab three unconverted tries in quick succession.

In a good team effort by Finch there were good displays also by winger Paul Beardsworth and the teenage front-row trio of Danny Flynn, Stuart Simmons and Robbie Broughton.

THE Haresfinch under 16s team are looking to recruit players. Any interested, eligible youngsters are welcome to along to training at the Haresfinch Sports and Social Club in Haresfinch Road on Mondays and Wednesdays from 7pm.

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