Bastard 2s struggle to cross the white line

The day was one intended for progress. Coming off a narrow loss two weeks prior, the Hammersmith & Fulham II XV  (aka The Bastards) were keen to build on their foundations against a Normans side who lay firmly at the bottom of the table. As we rocked up to the fortress of Richmond Athletics Ground, we assembled in a shoebox of a changing room, the stench of deep heat invigorating the boys for that starting whistle. We were ready to go.

The start to the game was shaky. The Norman’s backline held some significant units, evidently PureGym regulars. Their defence was organised and intense, and their attack ferocious. An early try let in was cause for a head wobble on our part, but the splendid boot of Ollie Weaver kept us competing. The bastards began to build momentum, running up phases and capitalising on the poor discipline of the opposition. Despite this we were unable to get over the line in the first 40, but the half time score of 12-9 to Normans was screaming for a change in the tides.

Heading into the second half the Bastards started strong with a catch and drive over the line, finished off by the recently returned Dylan Bilski. Once again the stable boot of Weaver converted; we were on the charge. We fought on with a stable set piece and some notable carries off the back of the scrum from Number 8 Dan Whitaker, but the bludgeoning counter attack of Norman’s was too much on this occasion. The remainder of the half was a depleted defence, and the opposition were able to run in a number of tries to end the game 41-16. A solid performance with 100% off the tee earned Ollie Weaver Man of the Match.

A bittersweet end to the day was the announcement of hooker Alejandro Lopez’s (Dick of the Day) last game for not only the Bastards, but Hammersmith & Fulham as he returns to Spain – at which point the eyes of substitute hooker Paddy O’Toole ignited with excitement at the opportunity of a vacant Number 2 shirt. Alejandro you will be missed! A tough day at the office, and plenty to drill before the next fixture against Belsize Park 2s on December 7th. But as the great Ainsley Howard said, the Bastards will rise again!