Hammers Ladies 1st XV v Romford & Gidea – Match Report

Second home game of the season. Five days after our squad meeting where we decided that for the rest of the season we will be unbeaten. The scene was set, all protagonists were in place as 18 Hammers walked down on Hurlingham park under a very unlikely hot October English weather.

And what a start. Just a couple runs, one won line-out and the first try was in. 5-0. Those first ten minutes were a cracking start, as we managed to stick to our game plan and make those girls run. Backs were on fire, kick from Kelly, followed by Michelle, offloading to Nina offloading back to Mich. Can that move becomes a Hammers classic, please? Conversion on and the score was already 12-0.

Starting to think about the hat trick record she could set within the Hammers, Michelle took the ball and decided to go for that tryline. 19-0 ; one more to go.

After a huge effort put in the scrum, Romford managed to get their one and only try for the day, 19-5.

GIRLS FIGHT MOMENT – Wait, not really, the ref stopped all the fun. Let’s just say their number 8 did not enjoy our crawling defence in the mauls. We definitely did not let that get to our mind and after a couple minutes, we managed to get a line out following a penalty on their 5m, thanks to the amazing boot of Kelly. And that’s when Michelle hit hat trick time, casually slaloming around Romford players. 26-5 after conversion.

The second half started with a more determined Romford side, and we struggled a bit more to play a “heads up” rugby and tend to forget our strength: we can run, they can’t. However, our forwards demonstrated that weight is not the only asset a pack should have. After some severe mauling and a couple balls stole in the scrum, it’s not hard to say that we mastered this area of the game as well. During those first twenty minutes, the ball was mostly in Romford’s hands. It was time for us to defend a bit, and what a défense girls. That’s what I like to call defensive pressure, Frem would have been proud of our aggressivity.

Anyway, backs were getting a bit bored so decided to get that game started again. After a missed attempt to get a line out after a penalty, Romford kicked straight in Katherine’s arms. Amazing hands from the backs, all the way to our favourite winger (that’s because she can also second row) John who got her second try of the day. 31-5.

Tactical change then saw Sophie B rejoining the backs, sad face from me. 16min left, and we wanted more, bonus point objective in mind, and going over that 50pts. Mission accomplished by Michelle who got two more, Katherine and Bukky. 55-5 final score.

Special mention to our super trouper Ayala, who left us somewhere around the 60th minute I think. You’ve been an absolute soldier through the pain and ambulance and ant delirium. Gas and air is life. All the best from all of us for the rehab. Much love. Thanks to all the doc girls that stayed with her as well.

• Forward of the match went to Bukky for being literally everywhere, rucks and mauls but offering some great options at all time as well.
• Back of the match went to Michelle because well, with five tries and five conversions, what else can we say? Amazing game.

• Welcome to Jess and Charlotte for their first game with the Hammers! And happy birthday again to Victoire.

• That was Nina’s last game with the Hammers. Farewell mate, you will be truly missed. Come back. Please.