Finchley sought to run the ball, showing early ambition seeking to run the ball. However, apart from one superb break by their excellent scrum half, this strategy yielded little reward against a very physical Nigerian defence. Anthony Obiekwe led the way, his meaty tackling forcing the game’s first turnover.  Nigerian’s counterattack carried play deep into Finchley half where the defence conceded a penalty. Joshua Bruce stepped up and coolly converted the kick for a 0 – 3 lead.

Finchley attacked but were still unable to get much change out of their determined guests. Nigerian won a scrum on the left touchline just inside their own half. Rob Hartley picked and ran from No. 8 before linking with fly half, Ugo Ekeowa. The latter beat one man drew a second and then shipped the ball on to his centres before it found its way to Luke Davids on the right wing. Davids celebrated his recent engagement by outpacing the cover defence to score in the corner.  Bruce was unsuccessful with the conversion but his side was 0 – 8 to the good and sitting pretty.

The hosts came back at Nigerian with their young and agile back line causing the visitors a few headaches. However, it was that man Obiekwe who undid their good work with a second crunching hit that sent his opposite number back-pedalling at a rate of knots before Ibi Shelleng picked his pockets to win possession wide on the left.  Nigerian shipped the ball right and rapidly through the hands. They recycled possession swinging it back to the left where Davids came into the line at pace. With two defenders ahead of him, he chipped the ball into the 22 where Bruce was rewarded for his excellent support play, latching on to the bouncing ball and riding two tackles to touch down.  His conversion extended Nigerian’s lead to 0 – 15 while taking his personal tally into double figures.

As has been an undesirable feature of their play all season long, Nigerian “”switched” once the playas felt they’d built up a comfortable lead. First, they made a complete hash of the restart before proceeding to miss a number of tackles in open play. Also, the normally reliable lineout combo of Morrison-Hanlon was having an off day, adding to the away team’s difficulties. Thanks to some excellent last-ditch tackles by the likes of Neal Fetterman and Winston Bell-Gam Nigerian were able to keep Finchley at bay.

The second half was largely forgettable for both teams though Finchley earned some respectability by scoring the only try of the period in the last play of the game. Admittedly, Nigerian had already secured victory after a penalty apiece by Bruce & Ekeowa had opened a major gap between the two sides. Yet, it is fair to note that Roger Coombs the away team’s Head Coach was less than satisfied with his side’s 2nd half performance. With the visit of Harpenden on the 14th to prepare for, a lot of his thoughts may well revolve around finding a way to get his squad playing their best rugby for a full 80 minutes rather than in the fits and starts that is their norm.

Man of The Match: Neal Fetterman – playing against his old club, Fetterman was the textbook blindside flanker, tackling any and everything in the cherry and white of Finchley with a ferocity that only Obiekwe rivalled on the day. Notable mention to Joshua Bruce for a grade A performance that included a 13 point haul.  Also, the front row of Anodu, Hanlon & Roberts completely tore the opposition apart in a display of destructive scrummaging not seen from a London Nigerian side for many a moon.