Agonisingly close loss for the Hammers 1st

Hammersmith & Fulham 1XV made the long and arduous bus trip away to Chichester, with storm Eunice still in full force, the journey down was marred by torrential rain and what seemed to be every fallen tree in South-East England in our path. However, with some high-speed back road driving to rival that of Colin McRae, the boys made it in good time with nerves near shot and pants half soiled.

After a swift change of underwear, the 1XV headed out to test the pitch and conditions. After extending his finger and testing the wind speed, Pete Bicknell headed back inside to reinforce his toupee with the strongest glue on the market, reinforcement successful. With some steadfast pitchforking by the home groundsman, the pitch was deemed playable, and the match was on.

A fitting minutes applause in memory of Evesham RFC’s Jack Jeffery preceded the game, with the home crowd providing ample noise from the balcony of the Oaklands Park clubhouse. Hammersmith and Fulham had the kick-off, playing with the wind into the clubhouse end. In true wet weather fashion, the game started with a myriad of back-and-forth mistakes with both teams vying for possession and field position. However, with a string of driving kicks from fly half Joe Carolan, Hammers had Chichester pinned in there own 22m. First blood went to the Hammersmith 1XV, with the forward pack carrying strongly through the gain line, Hammers were awarded with a penalty advantage for offside. Under advantage, a speculative long pass to space on the left side of the field was made by scrum half Matt Newman, gladfully received by the hands of fullback Jack Hooper. With quick feet, Hooper broke the first tackle creating a two on one opportunity on the wing with Ricky ‘Dane Coles’ Drewitt. Drewitt flew down the wing like a migrating swallow and touched down for a 5 pointer just metres infield from the touchline. Carolan converted with a well measured kick in testing conditions to make it 0-7.

Chichester replied soon after with a line break from the number 10 connecting well with his teammates behind the Hammersmith line, a few short picks from there saw Chichester score on the left side of the field, conversion attempt missed. 5-7, the game was on a knife edge once again. With the standard back and forth of territory resumed, Hammersmith were penalised on the 22m, Chichester chose to kick for posts which would prove to be a pivotal decision come the end of the game. Penalty slotted, 8-7. Despite being behind, the set piece was operating well with the Hammers forward pack dominating this facet of play. With hooker Angus Brown regularly getting his balls cleaned from the side-line by replacement Zander Stephen, the line-out was firing on all cylinders, providing the back line with a good platform to try and navigate the rapidly declining turf. Chichester were next to cross the white wash from a fast and well organised kick return managing to break through the Hammersmith press, the Hammers were now on the backfoot looking to level the game, 15-7. Fortunately, light fingered captain Carolan managed to best his opposite number by charging down a kick from hand, gathering the ball mid-air and running in under the posts untouched. A much simpler conversation attempt now faced Carolan, who casually stepped up and slotted the ball between the uprights, 15-14. These points were the last scored in a closely fought first half.

With the rainy conditions gradually lightening, Chichester kicked off the 2nd half, with the home team now playing into clubhouse, much to the delight of the loud home crowd. Now against the wind, Hammersmith spent the first few minutes of the second half pinned in the 22m. Chichester’s strong kick return saw them behind the Hammers line, with quick ball available quickly for the halfbacks. A well delayed pass from the Chichester 10 saw his centre partner punch through a gap, chip kick over the last defender, and float the ball into the in-goal area. A scrappy 50/50 contest for the ball over the line then ensued that Legolas himself would have struggled to see. Regrettably, the referee had his elf eyes on that day, and the try was awarded as a Chichester touch down. A simple conversation successfully followed, 22-14. A good patch of Hammersmith pressure saw the boys with a scrum on the Chichester 10m.

Continuing their dominant display, front row partners Drewitt, Brown, and Rogan pulled together to send the Chichester pack backwards towards their own line. Control at the base from 8 Alex Hart saw the Hammers scrum romp forward to what seemed an inevitable penalty try. The scrum then collapses with the bogy pitch giving away under foot. No matter, Hammers retain the ball and recycle, the forwards display good control with short, close to the line play. 1XV debutant Tom Proctor then powered over the line with a little help from his friends for a well earned try on debut, Carolan’s flawless performance off the tee continued, 22-21. Hammersmith then emptied the bench for a dose of fresh legs and clean shirts with Bray, Stephen, and Dugdale taking the field. With the wind firmly behind their backs, Chichester were able to effectively clear their line, starving Hammersmith of any meaningful territory. Resolute defence by both teams saw the majority of the remaining minutes played in the middle of the field, with the now swamp like turf making the pill increasingly difficult to handle. With fatigue now setting in, penalties were traded backwards and forwards between the teams, with each team gladly kicking long to touch. Osgood then dramatically drops to the floor as if a snipper lay in the distance, the dreaded double calf cramp had set in. Flailing on the floor like a toddler at the dentist, the physio runs on to provide Osgood with some much-needed relief. With the result in their favour, Chichester tighten up the game to retain the ball and run down the clock. Hammersmith blitz the remaining rucks in an attempt to win the ball back in the dying seconds for a final opportunity to win the game. The Hammers boys final effort was deemed overexuberant by the referee, who raised his arm to mark a penalty to Chichester. The ball was tapped and sent long over the touchline, the final whistle shrilled, ending the game 22-21 to the home side.

The 1XV look to redeem themselves in their next fixture at Hurlingham against Battersea Ironsides in two weeks times.

Tries;
Ricky Drewitt x 1
Joe Carolan x 1
Tom Proctor x 1

Conversations;
Joe Carolan x 3

Victory for the Hammers 3s

Match Report – Fulham 3s v Ealing Trailfinders 2s –

It was a grim old day in Fulham with trees on the tracks and rain lashing the brunching crowd down the Munster road as the ongoing wave of storms and wind continued to harry the flanks of the fair British Isles. The Hammers though are not to be put off by a small thing like a once in a 100 year storm and wind speeds above the hundred miles an hour. As the female contingent of the club battled their way to the Ralston to steady there nerves and spirits, prior to a mammoth pitch side attendance in the pissing rain to cheer the lads on, at Hurlingham the third fifteen got off to a shaky start. In the warm up we they suffered their first of 3 hospital level injuries of the day occurring before we had even began (Adam Standard coming down unluckily off the top of a lineout breaking an ankle and starting the newly formed Chelsey and Westminster hospital Saturday night club). After some rapid phone calls, Milo Story answered and braved the weather to bolster the hammers bench back to full strength. In contrast Ealing where down in full force with coaches on the side-line and all.

Prior to the game a minutes silence took place in memory of, Evesham RFC’s, Jack Jeffery and the Hammers retired the 11-shirt form the field for the game as a mark of respect. Ealing had won the toss but chose to play with the wind meaning hammers took the kick off which was given fully welly to account for the wind that at that moment chose a prime opportunity to drop off seeing the ball soar straight into touch. Starting the first of what was a long and heavy scrummaging game and a tough day in the office for the Hammersmith front row. The challenge was compounded at the ten minuet mark when Nick Turner joined the Chelsey and Westminster hospital Saturday night club with what was believed to be a torn calf and ended up being both that and the second broken ankle of the day. The loss off the only front row replacement left Hammersmith’s pack digging deep whilst Ealing capitalized by using the 4 front row on their bench to create a revolving door of changes every 20 min.

With the challenging gale-forces, disrupting the aerial game and lineout alike, what was set to be a very tough game of attrition was on the thrust and drive of rucking play was in full swing. The momentum being shifted when in a hit worthy of a place in the story of David and Goliath Tom Greenwood floored Ealing’s 8 and began a hammers attack that saw him dually rewarded with a try and hammers only trip over the hallowed white line of the day.  The conversion was deftly slotted despite the conditions by Nick Emmet who’s boot carried the hammers through the day when it also slotted a penalty in the closing minutes. A concern was had that this may go to Nicks head and was whole heartedly confirmed when he was heard to report “did I get both the kicks in that weather? Course I did, I am basically a better looking Jonny Wilkinson”.

Ealing came back well from the first try pressuring hammers poor kick receipt and using the wind direction advantage well. A massive defensive effort from across the hammers held the line well, with special mention to some massive hits from Harry Bower that along with his carrying and shoring up of the scrum from the second row earned him Man of the match. Eventually though the pressure reached a boing point for both teams resulting in Simon Irwin demonstrating his boxing training on the field a week earlier than his big fight though luckily outside of the eye line of the referee, an easier DoD was never to be seen. Ealing continued to press the packet and after a further 10 min of pressure, where rewarded in the corner though the maelstrom of weather denied them the conversion.

Half time 7-5 to hammers.

The second half continued in the theme of the first with relentless scrummaging and tight play from both sides moving up and down within the centre field and not really breaching either teams 22. Around ten minutes into the half the Chelsey and Westminster hospital Saturday night club gained its final 3s member for the day with Daniel Gispert fracturing a shoulder. The Hammers started to flag with the breakdown turning scrappy and our own ruck not being cleared, the team rallied through a the cheers from the hammers ladies charged with post lunch spirit, and the lads drove forwards breaking into Ealing’s 22 five minuets prior to the final whistle. Rewarded with the previously noted penalty the hammers went into the dying minuets of the game 10-5.

Ealing where not to be cowered though, they pressured their own kick off well with a catch challenge that if not for an unfortunate nock on would have had their flanker levelling the score. The referee called last play as the scrum set to rumble for the millionth time, to hammers dismay the most critical scrummage of the day was the only one lost against the head. Ealing could sense hammers fatigue and where poised to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat. They were 20 meters out and retaining there ball well on pick and goes. On the fourth attempt, the two players rucking over only played lip service to their task and skipper Matthew Jones managed to clear them through the middle recovering the ball to Hammers. This caught his own team of guard in the panicked few seconds that followed the ball was eventually knocked forwards unceremoniously ending the game and giving the Hammers a truly hard fort win.

Final Score 10-5

Tries – Tom Greenwood

Conversion – Nick Emment

Penalty- Nick Emment

Man of the Match – Harry Bower

DoD – Simon Irwin for taking his boxing training to the field

 

 

 

Hammers 2nd XV fight hard against determined London Welsh

Hammers Match Report

After a disappointing loss to H.A.C. 2’s the previous week at the fortress, Hammers 2’s were keen to right some wrongs when playing away at London Welsh. As a result of some bad cases of Couchevelitus and a list of injuries that had left Nugget quaking in his walking boots, the team heading into game day had plenty of fresh faces; due to Storm Eunice some of these faces were even blown out of retirement.

Before the match began, the team’s lined up for a minute’s applause as a celebration of the life of Jack Jeffery, who tragically passed away the week before playing for Evesham RFC. Jack’s twin brother Charles was playing in the 11 jersey to honour his brother that match.

The conditions on Saturday were about as bad as they could’ve possibly been, and the Hammers made the obvious decision to start with the wind behind us meaning the first half was ours to lose. The boys started the game with serious ferocity at the breakdown with turnovers coming thick and fast, resulting in Ross utilising his big boot (or 40mph wind behind him) to pin London Welsh in their 22 for most of the half.

Despite this dominance we failed to convert our chances as the same wind that was allowing for 60 metre kicks was also causing enough knock-ons to lead to your author still wearing a neck-brace while writing this. Suddenly, out of no where Adam Scaffardi did his best Beauden Barrett impression with an interception that left his team mates so surprised they didn’t support him. However, this did not matter as Adam ensured that in his words, he “intercepted from our own 10 metre line, gassed a London Welsh player and stepped the full back” to score our first try. Max Dugdale then managed in the gale-force winds to convert the try too.

By the time the half-time whistle went, we had conceded a well-worked try from London Welsh. The Hammers were already starting to suffer from some injuries to the team and the forwards were recovering from the 20 scrums in the first half, and a pep-talk from Nugget was needed.

With the side going into the second half with a 2-point lead and with the wind against us a serious shift was needed from everyone. However, lapses in decision-making along with poor execution led to us conceding two tries from London Welsh who took advantage of missed tackles. With one of these tries poetically being from Charles Jeffrey, who scored along with kicking two conversions in the second half.

With our scrum struggling against a large London Welsh pack and poor ground conditions, it was a relief when Rob came on to ensure that at least one half of our set-piece remained solid in the second half. Going into the last 15 minutes with the scores at 19 – 7, our captain, Michael Cook provided a contender for assist of the season. By providing a kick over the Welsh defence that Marcus Smith would be proud of, he managed to get the ball in the hands of George Nellany who managed to blister past scoring a try.

With the champagne moment providing the impetus for a final push to score another try the team put their bodies on the line and ended up with injuries to James Darrell, who came out of retirement, ending up dislocating his thumb and Cooky injuring his knee before he was able to insure it after his wonder-kick. Unfortunately, with a few decisions going the other way and a few players nearly helping themselves to some cheddar, our efforts were in vain.

The boys can be proud of managing to achieve a crucial losing bonus point thanks to two moments of magic and grit, however the feeling from camp is that we need to hit another level for the final two games of the league to give Hammers 2’s hope of the winning the title.

London Welsh 2nd XV 19 – 12 Hammersmith & Fulham 2nd XV

MOTM: Ben Dugdale DOTD: James Darrell

 

 

Final-play heartbreak for Hammers 1st XV

After a comfortable win against a depleted KCS last weekend, the Hammers were determined to maintain this run of form and take this renewed momentum into the game against Guildford. It wouldn’t be a clear path, as no path is in this league, especially as Guildford were fresh of the back of having turned over London Welsh. The last time we met, it came right down to the final whistle after a spirited fight back from Guildford nearly saw them steal 3 points from The Hammers. In many ways, the nail-biting end to the last meeting would ultimately be the writing on the wall for our second encounter.

In what was one of the strongest and fastest starts to the season, the word on everyone’s mind (thanks to Steve Harris having repeated it 48 times during the warm up), was accuracy. This word encapsulated the first 10 minutes. Hearty goal line defence, ultimately led to a turnover for the Hammers and an additional 60 metres in territory thanks to a Joe Carolan banana kick special. After a textbook line out call, Zander collected the ball with panache welcoming his counterparts to a driving maul that replicated the power and speed of a rumbling Sherman tank. After a line-breaking, positive carry through the heart of the Guildford Centre partnership from Cillian, we were on top of them. After another rumbling line out drive, rolling and spinning out of danger and passing the ball back with precision, we eventually dotted down over the line. Gus finishing off what had been an impressive passage from Hammers. After JC added the extras, Hammers led 7-0 with only 6 mins gone.

Despite the momentum swinging strongly in the favour of Hammersmith and Fulham, following the rampant start that had earned them the lead, it wasn’t to be held for long. After what had initially seemed like an impenetrable wall of defensive strength, Guildford were beginning to uncover the chinks. After a missed tackle from Henry “likes to tackle too high” Martin, Guildford were on the front foot, and following two successful, well placed offloads, were in under the sticks. With no dramas on tough angles, the extras were added and the game was back to even-stevens at 7-7.

The game was shaping up to be a great game for the neutral. After some sustained “fight back” pressure in the opposition half, Hammers won a well-deserved penalty that JC converted to add another 3 to the scoreboard and put Hammers back in the driving seat. Despite this early excitement, what ensued was frenetic and panicked play from both sides. Several times Hammers strung together double figure phases, but didn’t seem to be going anywhere or making any yardage. What frustratingly followed time and time again was a turnover or a mistake that gifted possession back over to Guildford. The one saving Grace, was that Guildford’s line-out ball was as good as Hammer’s line-out ball with the Hammer’s line-out organisation performing as a finely oiled machine.

Guildford were much the same, with several clean line breaks ultimately leading to very little, despite their “French of old” style offloading strategy making them yards. Hammers scrambled well defensively, but as Clarkey pointed out on the sideline, you shouldn’t have to “scramble well” if you’re first up tackling is stronger. To add further speed bumps to the mix just before half time, Cillian and Henry both went down with shoulder injuries, and with no backs subs to come in and fill the positions, Harry “would actually probably prefer to be a centre anyway” Scar stepped up to the mark. Half-time score, 10-7.

Fresh out of the changing rooms, both teams were determined to shake up the rhythm of the game and style of play that had plagued the first half. Admittedly this was to no avail, and after 15 minutes of further sparring, Guildford were the team to make the breakthrough. After several phases of spirited Hammers defence, Guildford’s winger capitalised on a heavy overlap to dot over in the corner. With a harsh wind and a tough angle, the extras went begging. 10-12 to Guildford.

As if sparked back into life, Hammers started playing again. Several carries from Tim “Neowww” Russell scared the living life out of the Guildford back three, a fear that eventually came to fruition when a blind-side set piece move off the back of a strong Hammers scrum went from Ben England, to Rosco, to Hoops who delightfully put away Tim into the corner (carrying three of the Guildford players with him). With a difficult kick to come, everyone knew just how important an additional 2 could be on a game this tight. JC, unphased by the difficulty of the kick, slotted it with perfection and brought Hammer’s important added extras. 17-12 to Hammer’s, with half an hour to go.

The final half an hour would be a tough affair with Guildford determined to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat. But with every Guildford carry, Hammers met them with line speed and determination to continue to hold out. Sean “I hurt my back not playing rugby” McMahon and Alex “whiter than white” Hart in particular were hungry to send someone to the ER. There was also an iconic try saving moment from Rich “wonder who his brother is” Vaughn which was met without thunderous cheering from the sidelines and the pitch.

One of the standout moments of the game, that will no doubt go down in the annuls of Hammers history as being marred with controversy, came in the final 10-mins and may well have proved the difference. After a lovely hold up pass from Zander, Marshall “prefers touch” McCloud showed a majestic turn of pace to get outside the last defender and to twinkle-toe his way down the touch line. Despite raucous celebrations and cheers of elation to all who witnessed it, the fairytale was not meant to be. A late swing of the arm from the Hammer’s linesman would deny what would likely have been the try of the game and the deal sealer.

As if M Night Shyamalan was writing the script, there was one last plot twist that would throw the result on its head. After unsuccessfully securing the last scrum on a Hammers put in, one last opportunity presented itself to the Guildford players. With the clock in the red, Guildford mounted one final assault at the Hammers gate, and after several phases of offloads and gain line attack, managed to force themselves over in the corner. 17-17, with the kick to come. In what appeared to defy the laws of physics and kicker ability, what seemed an impossible kick, crept its way over and the final whistle blew. 17-19, to Guildford RFC.

With points unsecured, and Hammers 4th place credentials hanging in the balance, it’s time for the Hammers boys to lick their wounds clean ahead of what will be a tough away game against Chichester next week.

 

Full time: Hammersmith and Fulham RFC 17 – 19 Guildford RFC

Hammers 3rd XV set the artificial grass alight at Chiswick

A slightly disappointed Hammers 3s took the short trip down the road to Chiswick, instead of heading into town to play at the nicest pitch in London, and funnelled that disappointment into a dominant display of running rugby. Some of the boys had clearly struggled to get out of bed for the pre 6 Nations 12pm KO but once they saw the all-weather pitch being baked in sun they perked up knowing this was a great chance to get back on the win train.

The game started perfectly with debutant Harry Bower clinching the opening kick-off over the heads of the opposition allowing MOTM Will Brentnall to crash through a few shellshocked HAC defenders, Sandy Duncan to pull the defence from one side of the pitch to another before Will finished the move off tumbling over the try line whilst apparently being hit by a sniper at the paintball ground next door.

Hammers built on this momentum and continued to push the opposition hard with winger George Nellany and number 8 Rory Gibson finishing excellent phase play with tries of their own. With the forwards getting bored of (ie tired from) all the open play towards the end of the first half, Captain Matthew Jones called for a kick to the corner and a maul of the subsequent lineout before rumbling over himself to give Hammers a 22-0 lead at half time.

With the wind behind us and the sun in the oppositions eyes the boys were very confident going into the second half however HAC weren’t giving up without a fight and seized on a mistake and some sloppy defending to score their opening try. This gave the boys the kick they needed and George Nellany scorched his way through their defence from his own half to score his second try of the day. HAC dug deep and kept playing putting the Hammers’ defence to the test but it held true with fullback Ed James and scrum half Daniel Gispert making great cover tackles on numerous occasions.

The game became very loose in the final quarter with the pace of the play catching up with those less used to the 4G surface but barring a scare from DotD George Nellany, when he offloaded the ball before going into touch to HAC’s best player, Hammers controlled the game and field position with Ed James scoring to take the final score to 36-7. A good team performance from the boys with three great debuts from Harry Bower, Chris Hudson and Tom Hodges putting us all in a great mood for an afternoon of 6 Nations rugby and the run in for the rest of the season.

The win puts Hammers 3s back into 2nd place in the table before our final three games which start with hosting Ealing 1871 2nd XV this weekend before must win games against Hampstead and Old Streetonians to ensure a place in the end of season finals.

Overall a good game played in great spirit and with respect by both teams which is even more important after the tragic news of Jack Jeffery from Evesham, a club who I have played against a number of times and where I have a few friends, from the weekend. The whole of Hammersmith and Fulham RFC extend their condolences to Jack’s family and Evesham RFC at this difficult time and share your grief with the rest of the rugby community.

 

Final Score 36-7

Tries – George Nellany (x2), Ed James, Matthew Jones, Rory Gibson, Will Brentnall

Conversions – Ed James (3/6)

Man of the Match – Will Brentnall

DotD – George Nellany for keeping the ball in play by passing it to their best player

Hammers cop a hiding at the hands of Farnham

Hammersmith and Fulham’s 15th league game of the season came after a turbulent time for the Hammers, a frustrating loss to Medway and a triumphant win at London Irish. A sinusoidal start to say the least. In the return fixture at Hurlingham Park, Farnham put in a dominant performance, only to be undone by an efficient and ruthless Hammers back line on the day. Their powerful but lacklustre performance in October would prove to be motive for revenge.

The visitors started strong with an excellent carry by the Benjamin Button of SW6, Peter Bicknell. A talismanic line break pushed the Hammers into Farnham’s own 22 and with a penalty advantage, the audacious Joe Caravan attempted a cross field to winger Tim Russell. The wind gusted at the wrong moment, and he ended up with his face in the dirt and the ball floating out into touch, an ominous foreshadowing of things to come. The ensuing lineout showed great promise and a magnificent maul was stopped just short of the try-line. Scrappy and unstructured play allowed Farnham to clear their lines and thus ended the only promising Hammers attack for the day.

What transpired was an abysmal performance that even the new Veo technology couldn’t bear to watch, preferring instead to admire the Farnham 2’s.Farnham played smartly, carried strongly and kicked effectively. The fateful moment came from an kick from the Farnham 12, 5 metres outside his own 22. A disastrous attempt from Tim Russell to keep the ball in play gifted the Black and Whites a lineout well in the Hammers own 22. Two scrums later and Farnham scored down the blindside. 7 – 0.

The conditions restricted the Hammers from their usually free-flowing style of play to one up carries and dropped balls. More aggressive scrummaging and some handy kicking from Farnham, another try soon fell. 14 – 0 and this is where the day really started to slip away from the Hammers. Debutante Matt Newman received some cheese for an inconvenient (and almost surely accidental) hand in the tackle. Several minutes later Andrew Rogan was given his marching orders also, clearly feeling Matt was lonely on the side-lines. Blighted by injuries already, Hammersmith and Fulham had no replacement front row, uncontested scrums were called, and the Hammers lost another due to Law 3.15 (Scenario 2) in code. Therefore, Rich Vaughan kindly stepped off the pitch to join the growing ranks and more importantly leaving only a dozen Hammers to play. Another try out wide for Farnham left it 21 – 0 at half-time.

The only credit to a poor first half display was a 10-minute period at the start of the second half when the Hammers were down to twelve. Somehow, they kept the Black and White’s at an arm’s length and prevented them from scoring, despite the three-man deficit. Joe Caravan put in a notable try saving tackle on the left wing. After a gritty display and back up to full numbers, surely it would be the beginning of a comeback? The Hammers notoriously put a few late surges in to win before Christmas. Alas! The boys from Fulham conceded immediately on returning to a full outfit. 28 – 0.

Captain Fantastic, Mr Caravan, proved why he is the top scorer this season and reduced the embarrassment for a split second. He showed that the Hammers can score tries, and even convert them, when he picked off an intercepted Farnham pass and ran in from the halfway line. 28 – 7. This was to be the last ‘hurrah’. Three more converted tries later and the Hammers were extremely relieved to hear the final whistle go. The final score 49 – 7, a real hiding for the Hammers.

Credit is due to the Farnham side for excelling in every aspect of the game over the Hammers, and their tough season has paid dividends. Placed 11th now, this was not a display for a team nearer the bottom of the table. The Hammers must now regroup and prepare for a tough game against KCS Old Boys next weekend, the aim is vengeance from their loss in September. The Hammers are still in 4th spot in London 1 South, but the gaps are becoming negatively inclined. Notable performances amongst a dire squad were Huw Parks, Sean McMahon and MOTM Peter Bicknell.

Fulltime: Farnham RUFC 49 – 7 Hammersmith and Fulham RFC

Hammers 1st XV put on a show against London Irish

With the dust having settled from the weekend before, which left many through the camp deflated, a palpable sense of redemption was in the air; the latest battle a mere few hours away. A wise man once said, “The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall” and it was time for Hammersmith and Fulham to rise.

The sun began to set behind the horizon on a cold January afternoon, and the chosen men of Hammersmith and Fulham RFC landed their vessels on the shores of a common foe, London Irish Wild Geese. Walking out to the battle ground, last week’s Somme-like conditions a mere figment in the memories, with this week’s track the envy of the finest dance floors up and down the country, as if the groundsman of Lords and the most talented carpet fitters in the land had woven a surface so perfect for rugby, even Saint Fiacre of Breuil could merely dream of. The light dwindling and the pre match festivities over, in the depths of their barracks, the men of Hammersmith tightened the boots and adorned their armour, all be it the wrong kit due to an error of Poultonic proportions.

A crowd gathered, and silence rang around only pierced by the referee’s whistle to commence conflict. The ball was in play and a game was afoot. The first blow struck by the Irish hoard, as they regathered possession from the kick-off, and proceeded the march forth towards the hammers line. Repelled by stoic defence, the geese came time and time again, before the drawbridge did fall and the barricades of hammersmith were breached. First blood drawn. 7-0. From the off Hammersmith’s resident back rowers of Harry Scarr, Sean McMahon and Steve John , clearly on loan from the local logging company, had come to fell some Irish birch, and down they did fall. Back and forward with no gain from either side, a stalemate on the western front. Until an unknown beast used all his speed and ferocity to leave a trail of geese in its wake. A beast of golden flair, but what was this creature that could spring with the quickness of lightening. A buck escaped from Richmond Park? or a stallion bolting towards the finish line? Maybe the mane was a lion? But no, a badger, a honey badger! 7-7 the Hammers were back, and Rich Vaughan had claimed another for his meat pie collection.

Like two matched boxers the geese and the hammers played host to trading blows momentarily. Using our front row of Ed Wynne, Ricky Drewitt, and Jacob Poulton as battering rams, and a centre partnership as if David and Goliath had joined forces; the hammers continued to press. A strike from the boot of our captain saw the Irish line forced backwards. However, it was about to get worse for this gaggle of geese, soon to be rendered a mere raft of ducks. Again, a dart from the golden maned honey badger saw yet more geese drop out of the sky, and this hungry badger score another meat pie. 7-15. This was not to be the last quack from the Irish wild geese, their industrious escapades deep into the hammersmith territory fruited reward in a try that could only be described as “the third try of the game”. 14-15.

Down the left-hand flank, Hammersmith released the hounds of hell, and overcome by the spirits of the American frontier, the fastest hands in west, the ball was passed back and forth, turning the Irish defenders left and right. From one to another, Fijian offloading the dish of the day, and served up a plenty to see hammers dive over in the corner. But wait, do my eyes deceive me? Do these beasts come in pairs? Had Hammersmith and Fulham played Noah and brought them in two-by-two? Deep in Irish territory the hammers had just unleashed their ace in the pack, their tastiest snac, their two-pronged honey badger attack, Tim Russel the beneficiary. 14-20.

The Hammersmith line as strong as ever took the fight to the Irish defence once more, with attacks coming from all angles, only time would be the barrier for the hammers. Sustained bombardment behind enemy line saw the ref blow loud awarding Hammersmith a penalty, up steps the assassin from full back, Pete Morris. Irish wild geese lay strewn around, wings clipped, and beaks shattered, the insult to be added by a quick tap, and a pass to his fortunate comrade, captain Joe Carolan, to waltz under the sticks and put to bed a half the geese were praying to end. 14-27

The half came and the bombardment from either team halted, as breaths were drawn, and the wounded tended to. Cries out for “more” rang throughout the Hammer’s ranks. Come the second half, and a renewed Irish team had come to play, the accelerator pedals untouched by the Hammersmith contingent. Darting breaks, slick hands, and attritional carries became the order of the day. No team could break the stale mate. A line out firing on all cylinders kept the geese at bay, with a defensive line that refused to be broken. Only time would stand in the way of Hammersmith now, and the clock was about to strike. A metronomic advance into the Irish 22 the prequel for what was to come. The move started by the reliable dartsman of Ricky Drewitt, bamboozling the Irish forwards to send Dr.John crashing in behind. With honey badgers in tow, the backs were called upon. Bodies ran left and right, the geese dazzled, opened a gap as if Moses could part this green sea too. Through went a hungry honey badger sniffing for a meat pie, to scavenge his second, Tim Russel no less. A highlight that will live long in the memory. 14-34.

The sound of pints being poured in the bar gave spirit to the tired bodies on the field, but the final whistle was blown putting an end to the game. Hammersmith and Fulham the victors, the country road with take us home today, and eyes now look to the next crusade; To Farnham we ride.

Hammers 3s unlucky against strong London New Zealand

The Hammers headed to London Zealand for an important top of the table clash which could be crucial in deciding the table come the end of the year.

A strong start by the Kiwis and some lack of discipline from the Hammers meant we were soon pinned in our own 22, and after a strong drive off a scrum they were soon over in the corner. Hammersmith responded well and quick ball provided by the forwards, Adam Crompton found a gap in the midfield to score. Despite this solid response, Kiwis made a break down the left to score again, things got worse as Sam Nursey was sent to the bin for a high tackle

Despite being a man down, excellent possession and phase play meant that Hammers kept up the pressure. Quick rucks sucking the defenders and nice hands to spin the ball wide, space opened up for Adam to run in for his second try of game. With Simon ‘Tyson Fury’ Irwin back on the pitch despite being carried off 10 minutes earlier and strong attacking play out wide momentum was with Hammers going into half time

Half Time: London Kiwis 14 – Hammersmith 12

The second half started strongly with both teams playing some good stuff, including number 8 Jacob Lloyd channeling his inner fly-half getting involved with the backs moves meant the Hammers were on the front foot. However, some typical Kiwi offloads and strong running from the number 8 meant London Zealand soon scored to get back in front. The next 10 minutes were pretty tough as LNZ span the ball wide exceptionally well and scored two quickfire tries to take a commanding lead

Hammers never give up though and still we toiled away, eventually with winger Will barging through a couple of tackles to score in the corner, and then Chris Ralph showing his usual speed and step to cross. However it was not to be as the clock went red with Hammers still trailing, but the hard graft at end made sure to secure 2 bonus points meaning its still all to play for at the top of the table

Final Score: London Kiwis 32 – 24 Hammersmith

Motm: Adam Crompton

Dotd: Sam Nursey

 

Hammers 3s down Hackney

A crisp Saturday morning saw Hammers 3rd XV face Hackney down at Hurlingham park. Hammers were looking to close the gap on New Zealand Kiwis and Hackney were looking for a big win to boost them up the table.

Once the team groundsmen Ben England and Matt Jones had finished filling the pitch with their bucket and spades the boys got underway with the ref trotting out just before kick off after being stuck in traffic for a couple of hours. The hammers started well and played some nice phases up the pitch before Sam Nursey eventually put the ball down after realising he had indeed crashed over the line. The first 10 minutes had been all hammers, but the next 30 were a different story. After some close and gritty defending in our 22 the hammers managed to set up a few nice phases with Adam Crompton finding himself in space on the outside and diving over the line. Both conversions were missed, 10-0. The remainder of the first half was all Hackney, and despite some resilient defending around the rucks, including multiple shots from the Spanish omelette Dan, the pick and goes eventually got too much for the Hammers and Hackney pulled back a try. Despite more Hackney pressure the boys were able to keep Hackney out for the remainder of the half, with some huge hits from Ben England and Luke Kavanagh keeping them at bay. The score was 10-5 at the break.

An inspiring team talk from the captain Jonesy at half time had the boys rallied up for a big second half where we were hoping to seal a much needed bonus point win. The kick off was collected and run deep into the Hackney half from Rob Vaughan and the resulting phases saw Hackney scrambling and eventually the flying Scotsman Dougy Maxwell was able to bulldozer his way over the line for his 8652nd try of his career. The first half had been all Hackney but the second half was a different tale. Some exquisite line out moves orchestrated by Adam Stannard and executed perfectly all day by Nick Kramers set up some lovely phases of play for the hammers in the second half. Spreading the ball wide on multiple occasions and causing real trouble for Hackney out wide. A darting run and score from Dami Sotinwa saw a great move rounded off as well as another score from Adam Crompton. A couple of tries by finding gaps in the middle from Adam Heaps and Ben England saw the Hammers in control.  We finally found a player with his kicking boots on and Sandy was able to slot the kicks for us to sit at 39-5. However, a late miss-kick from the hammers saw Hackney run the ball back at pace and with excellent support and manage to get over the line again making the score 39-10.

A much needed bonus point win to take us within reaching distance of the New Zealand Kiwis who happen to be our next fixture. A resilient Hackney put up a great fight, especially in the first half and we wish them the best of luck for the rest of the season.

After some dazzling runs Sam Nursey was named MOTM and this weeks DOD was Rob Vaughan for stealing playing shirts (naughty).

Hammers’ 2s walk in the Park

 

As your author sits down after a tough day at work, kicking back with a cup of tea and some country music in the background, he reminisces on another Saturday at Hurlingham Park;

Hammers 2XV came into the weekend of a strangely disappointing to 0-22 victory at Old Haberdashers (Via Harpenden), where some poor execution and discipline cost us a precious bonus point which would have seen us top the Middlesex Premier Division, 1 point ahead of rivals Belsize Park II’s. But here we are, honours even, and everything to play for.

A few enforced changes through availability, injury and call ups to the 1st XV meant a much changed XV, with a new look pack and a very handsome 9/10 partnership. All of this meant absolutely nothing as we gave a penalty away straight off the kick off, before regaining the ball off the resulting line out, only to lose the ball again inside our 22, allowing Rosslyn Park to bundle over to open the scoring early on.

Rocket, meet arse. The boys got their acts together, the backs looking very slick off set plays, cutting through the RP defence at will, with Cillian Waldron cutting brilliant lines (when he caught the ball), hat trick hero Jack Hooper looking untouchable out wide and James Maddigan introducing anyone coming down his channel to his large shoulders and the inexplicably firm January turf.

Tries began to flow with a mixture of power in the forwards, namely MOTM Adam Scaff, who must have ended the match with 100 meters made from Kick Off returns alone; and slick hands coupled with dangerous running in the backs. Tries from Alex Hart, Captain Cook, Max Dugdale Ash Mitchell, Joe Crawley and Jack Hooper x 3 were complimented by 4 conversions from Ben Dugdale who contests he would have finished the day with 100% success off the tee, had the balls been regulation PSI. Special shoutout to debutant Hugh Symons, who helped himself to a slice of Cheddar in the first half for some cynical play around the breakdown, I’m sure it was deserved.

A lesser author would have waxed lyrical about their try, midway through the 2nd half, spotting a gap in the overfolding defence, stepping inside, spinning a defender and calmly finishing under the sticks. Alas, in reality it was a 4 on 2 and I probably should have passed, but did Tom Vardell become the Premiership All Time try-scorer by executing simple 4 on 2’s`? No he did not.

Some superb team play throughout the game could have led to some serious highlights for this report, only for someone to drop the ball or the ref to blow up for something else, just shy of the line. Jack Hooper scored the games best try, finding space on the outside, stepping through a few tackles and finishing well. It was a good team performance, with the defence a very pleasing highlight despite conceding 2 tries, with feeling in the camp after the game that this side still had another gear to go.

MOTM – Adam Scaff DOTD – Hugh Symons

Onwards to Regents Park this weekend where we will face fellow title challengers Belsize Park. Lets hope the tubes are running.