Henderson

Barking centre Andrew Henderson receives England Counties, call-up, and asks the rest of his Barking squad to use Henderson as role model ahead of clash with high flying Ealing Trailfinders tomorrow.

Barking centre Andrew Henderson has been called up for the England Counties squad to face Ireland, and head coach Tim Usasz feels his players could learn a lot from the 24-year-old, writes Colin Munford.

The former Jersey man has been one of few positives to emerge from Barking’s second season in National One and will be part of the 22-strong England squad.

It’s the highest accolade a semi-professional rugby player can receive and the Barking centre is set to face Ireland on March 16 at Preston Grasshoppers RFC.

“Hendo is one of the better centres in the division and over the last eight to 10 weeks that has been very clear to see,” said Usasz.

“He is invaluable to us and he is a good leader and good example for many players to follow.

“He deserves all the success he gets. Andrew is one of the more experienced guys in the team.

“Too many guys just think they can turn up on Saturday and play. He is absolutely someone our players should be looking at as an example

“There are no secrets to his success. There has to be a natural ability there, but also a hard work ethic and I definitely get that from him.

“He is always the last guy there at training going through his work outs and he reaps the rewards.”

Henderson joins the long list of Barking players to represent their nation.

Only last year six of former head coach Alex Codling’s squad were part of the Counties set up, as Dan Lloyd-Jones, Dave Vincent, James Kellard, Alex MacKenzie, Aaron Liffchak and James Ngan were all given the selection nod.

Though many have condemned Barking to relegation this season, head coach Usasz admits he certainly won’t be throwing in the towel, starting with this weekend’s trip to second-placed Ealing Trailfinders

“From my perspective I won’t be admitting defeat,” he said.

“We have shown in glimpses too often that we are good enough to compete. But there hasn’t been an 80-minute performance from us.

“Players need to show a little fight, and they have to understand what they do on the pitch does matter.”