2nds suffer a loss for the first time in 5 games

A disappointing performance from Barnet saw them succumb to their first defeat in five games and realising they still have plenty of work to do. Although the final margin of victory might have been a touch flattering to Hackney, there was no doubt that they were the better side on the pitch for the vast majority of the game. The defeat was even more disappointing as, yet again this season, Barnet were forced to play one of the stronger sides in the league with a far from full strength team.

Given the conditions it was perhaps unsurprising that there were a lot of dropped balls from both sides and the game began in a rather disjointed manner. A major positive for Barnet though was that they were looking very strong in the scrums thanks to props Willy Pritchard and Karl Laing, who was replaced up front by George Whitebread in the second half, and that the lineout was also looking quite effective. However, it was apparent early on that Barnet were struggling to make any headway with possession against a very good Hackney defence while the opposition were much more organised in attack and were able to capitalise when the Barnet defence ultimately faltered. That said, the defending on both sides was very impressive and line breaks were at a real premium throughout the match. Because of the defence on display, Hackney sensibly took the points on offer from penalties when they were available and went in at half time with three penalties and one try while Barnet go on the board when 10-0 down capitalising on opposition indiscipline to kick for Dan Outram to convert a penalty.

At half time it was clear that Barnet had to change their structure in attack to find a way through the Barnet defence – Jamie Powensby had already shown that yards could be made away from the fringes – but unfortunately the home side could not put this plan into action and the same pattern as the first half continued. Another penalty and then a try after the Barnet scrum uncharacteristically disintegrated gave Hackney a 21-3 lead and the final icing on the cake came late on where a fly-hack through which looked to be sailing over the dead ball line thudded into the ground and didn't really bounce allowing the opposition wing to score.

The defence from Barnet, again this season, was a real positive and in particular from the man of the match Patrick McMahon, making his first appearance for the 2nd XV. James Stubbs and Haidar Mailiki were also particularly effective in stealing ball at the breakdown. It is clear what the team need to work on, and hopefully with the reintroduction of some big runners who were sorely missed this can be sorted out sooner rather than later.

The post-match meal was a steak and kidney pie with boiled potatoes (still with the skin on for extra flavour) and mixed veg. The pastry lids were delectable and the sauce flavoursome however this correspondent had a portion with not many kidneys in it – some less adventurous carnivores may see that as a positive.