Dees U18s start with defeat

The hosts put up a spirited performance to stay in touch until the dying minutes, when they were eventually beaten.

Finchley began the stronger and had the lion’s share of the possession, but couldn’t convert their superiority until the 22nd minute with an unconverted try, and then a penalty on the half hour.

Dees rallied and managed a try just before the break after strong forward play allowed Ciaran Mills to barge over as they trailed 8-5.

An early penalty and a try gave Finchley a commanding 16-5 advantage, but tries from Toby Mead and Sam Lee narrowed the deficit to just one point.

However, Dees’ hearts were broken with three minutes to go as Finchley scored again and the conversion took the possible losing bonus point away from the hosts.

To rub salt in the wound, Finchley scored again with the last play.

Dees are looking for a first competitive win on Saturday at home to Market Harborough in the National Colts Cup, kick-off 1pm.

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