2nd XV men’s emerge victorious on Friday night lights!

The boys turned up to a wet and windy Rosslyn Park under the spotlights eager to impress the Hammers ultras on the sideline.

The lads came out the blocks firing and it didn’t take long for Max Dugdale to nudge the ball to 10 meters out from the Rosslyn Park 4th line – setting up the opportunity for the Hammers rolling maul to go to work. A strong driving maul set up saw the forwards walk over the line with Rob McKeon dotting the ball down for his first Hammers try.

Despite some joué from the Hammers backline creating multiple line breaks, tricky conditions and strong covering tackles from Rosslyn Park 4th’s kept them in the game. More pressure and up the jumper rugby however took its toll towards the end of the second half with Conor Burke crossing the line to give the boys the lead going into half time.

Half time: 14 – 0 Hammers.

Rosslyn Park 4th’s came back strong in the second half, with big carries from their front five they finally got themselves into the game crossing the line and converting to make the score 14-7. Big shots in the centre from James Maddigan and Huw Parks set the tone for the Hammers defence.

The last 10 minutes saw the boys big deep. With lads suffering with cramps across the field as a result of some ropey conditioning it took a sublime line from hooker Conor Burke to cut the opposition in half and drive us deep into the oppositions 22. A quick recycle from the ruck saw the ball go out wide to Ainsley Howard who went over in the corner to seal a well deserved victory for the Hammers.

Full time: 24 – 7 to the mighty 2’s

Honourable mention to Max Dugdale for keeping the scoreboard ticking over, slotting all four attempts at the sticks. Also the opposition 10 for trying to kick every touch finder onto the Upper Richmond Road – the breaks in play were much appreciated.

Less honourable mentions for members of the post match boat race team, who need to re-evaluate putting themselves forward for drinking competitions in the future.

MOM – James Maddigan for putting in big shots all game and running strong lines.

DOD – James Lalor for dropping the ball over the try line.