Match Report: Hammers III v Chiswick II
Saturday 15th October saw a Hammersmith and Fulham 3rd XV handily beat a well drilled Chiswick 2nd XV. Hammers took the game by the horns when after a well recovered kick off in the opposition 22 and good phase play from the forwards, Jack Hooper was put over in the corner off the first play of the game. The game, however, didn’t keep up this break neck speed; as the opening quarter turned into an attritional, physical match, with big carries and hard tackling from both teams.

The gridlock was finally sliced open by a dancing Jake Cheetham, running from fly-half, and dotting under the posts from a scrum inside Hammer’s own half. The score would open the door for both teams attacking play, with Chiswick scoring either side, of Hammer’s MOTM Zack Underwood scoring his first. 19-14 after 30 minutes.

More purists rugby would ensue, with Hammers turning the screw in the tight five and dominating the scrum. The penalties and territory turned to points, with Adam Howell converting after a scrum was pushed over from 5m out. Hammers went into the break, up 26-14. The second half didn’t take long to get going for Hammersmith, with Huw Parks capping off a stellar kick performance (5/7 conversions) by taking a hard-line carry over for a try, untouched on his way to the promised land. Zack Underwood would convert again for Hammers, diving over from a foot out, off the base of a ruck.

Despite pulling one back, frustration started to show for Chiswick, who were unable to handle physicality shown be the Hammers front row, and replacements. After turning the ball over in Hammer’s territory, Joue ensued, with the Hammersmith backs toying with the hapless Chiswick chasing defenders, to put Jack Hooper over for his brace. Late in the game, a controversial referring decision would earn Harrison Moy his DOTD denotation; after running 85m to score off a turnover despite the referee calling a knock on.

A 45-21 full-time result for Hammers was a well deserved, with some excellent goal line defense capping off the second half. Credit to James ‘Mad-Dog’ Maddigan for excellent defensive effort
throughout as well as Dan Whitaker limiting the Chiswick offensive capabilities, with a great display from 7.

MOTM: Zak Underwood
DOTD: Harrison Moy

What on earth is going on in the house of commons… Another Saturday was upon us forecasting yet another train strike and, of course, a spot of champagne rugby.

The boys turned up rolling dice after the 2 hour, 20 mile car journey to Old Haberdashers’ RFC just north of the city; nevertheless, the sun was shining and the smell of the freshly cut pitch had the Hammers in good spirits especially after the miserable forecast given earlier in the week.

As Hammers ran out, physically prepared by Ian Burbedge’s S&C intern Ben Hatton and mentally primed by the Caravan’s wise words they were ready for the most anticipated whistle blow they receive every week.

Old Haberdashers came out firing down the hill with wind behind for the first half and Hammersmith & Fulham were shaken. Execution and ball retention lacked, and Haberdashers made the bottom corners a hard place to exit along with the helping hand from mother nature. With possession against the Hammers, defence remained strong as usual, and the inside-men quickly cottoned on to the fact their fly half was throwing an inside ball every other phase. However, as phases passed Hammers lost composure at times and discipline lapsed leading to three penalties all in front of the posts throughout the first half, all of which were pinned by the opposition 10. Hammers knew they had a game on their hands, and they needed to buck their ideas up – it was flat.

As possession turned, strong carries by Josh Smith and sub-par Pete Clark gave the backs a platform and it was flung out wide to the honey badger Tim Russell who marched the team up the right-hand side of the pitch into the opposition half. Phases started to build and eventually the whistle went in favour of Hammers with a penalty around the oppositions 10 meter line with the touchline in sight; however, some slick communication from Carolan saw Weaver’s wand fire a quick tap and miss pass to the opposite side of the pitch to Carolan who gave a second miss pass to Matt Killeen on the wing who of course finished strong in the corner with the first try of the game. At this point momentum started to shift and it appeared the Hammers had started to wake up from the car journey with another try coming in before half time as Marshall McCloud gathered a kick from the opposition on the half way line, injected his pace onto the ball before sending Killeen through a gap on the filthiest line of the season thus far:

The boys received a stern talking to from Mark at half-time.

Second half kicked off and it was clear birthday boy Ed Wynne who just came on as the impact prop heard Mark loud and clear as he caught the hanging restart from Weaver and went bulldozing through the opposition with no intention of any footwork. Phases built off this play with lovely edge to edge joué with strong collisions from Proctor and Hart and finally concluded in a backs move just outside of the 5-meter line with Weaver sending a miss pass over the top to McCloud who ran it over the line for his first try of the season.

The impact subs continued, and Bryce Morgan introduced himself to the game in style with a classy kick behind which was scooped up by Tim Russell who dotted down continuing his fight his as the third top try scorer this season. There was no doubt, at this point Hammers had found their Mojo which was misplaced during the first half and again continued to play in the right areas and gel as a team with great support play and lines being run with special mention to Josh Smith who soon bagged a meat pie under the posts off the back of some great team play.

As Hammers were getting into their notorious sixth gear, the game slowed with ball retention starting to lack off the set piece and some questionable decisions being made. A driving maul from the pack saw Ricky Drewitt presented with a try scoring opportunity once over the line, however with some angles not presented, he was penalised for a double movement over the try line. The bad luck then continued with a pinpoint cross field kick from Weaver finding Killeen who touched down before being disallowed due to an offside call by the touch judge, preventing a Killeen hat-trick in 60 minutes. During this period Haberdashers hit back with a great team-try which came from their outside centre and captain making a strong break through the Hammers and was followed with flooding support play which led to a try.

The fury built in Killeen with anxiety of jug avoidance and so it was time for the wheels to come out once again with a dash down the wing to get the hat-trick he was nearly robbed from; but he wasn’t done there, a brilliant set piece from the Hammers backs within their own 22 saw James Lo giving a perfect ball on the gain line to Killeen who again proceeded to run most the pitch to score under the sticks yet again for his fourth.

Haberdashers were understandably feeling the frustration after this and came back hard with some solid carries up the middle, and with many phases building they eventually found themselves on the Hammers 5-meter line hoping to finish strong on what now looked like a harsh score line. After many attempts close to the break down failing to penetrate the Hammers try line defence, the ball was spun out to the backs but Carolan read they were going to hit the big Haberdashers 13 and intercepted the pass to run 95 meters under the oppositions posts to finish the game.

Another Bonus-point win for Hammersmith & Fulham RFC, as they make it 335 points for the season and 5 out of 5 so far, the biggest total points scored in the RFU right now. Time for a rest week and some well-deserved TLC for the boys who will take on bongos bingo this weekend before heading back home to Fort Hurlingham to face Fullerians on the 15th October.

It was a truly glorious day for rugby with the sun shining down and all the forwards wishing it wasn’t quite so warm. With the 1s focus on our new structure of play we faced up against S&E for what we knew would be an intense game.

Sutton scored the early points with their 10 shifting the point of attack across the pitch and catching the Hammers defence on the back foot. They failed to convert and soon afterwards Katherine did what all 9s do best and spotted the opportunity for a quick tap and go penalty, weaving through the retreating Sutton defence and score. Sirri converted to put Hammers in the lead 7-5. Sutton soon hit back through their winger darting down the touchline to take the lead 7-10 however, Hammers knew how to score with speed as well – Steffy decided to go for a run after catching a kick from Sutton and darted through the fractured defence to leave everyone in her dust. Another conversion helped put Hammers in the lead again 14-10. Hammers were soon back knocking on the try line at the end of the first half. Strong carries saw us to within a metre of the try line but a determined Sutton defence held up carries from both Tappers and Kaye.

This strong defensive effort galvanised Sutton going into the second half and they pushed back hard. A dip in focus from Hammers and missed tackles allowed Sutton back in the game and they grabbed onto it with both hands scoring 3 times in the second half.

Final score 14-29.

FOTM: Kaye for her ever strong carries and tackles

BOTM: Alex W for great control of the back line and awesome kicking game

Super Sub: Amy R for making great impact off the bench

Two-weeks on since I last saw Hammersmith & Fulham Men’s 1^st XV score 87 points, the time had arrived, a local derby, one that had not been seen for some time, the battle of the parks, Hurlingham vs Regents, Hammers vs Belsize, who would come out on top?

As my brothers and I were wrapped up in our match attire, the teams warmed up. Hammersmith’s dynamic stretching being led by Mr Hammers himself Ian Burbedge, while Steve Harris and Phil Swainston made last minute strategic tweaks in Director of Rugby Mark Jackson’s absence. The comms picked up over the next 40 minutes, as either side completed their preparation; quieter than usual, perhaps due to nerves or maybe just silent confidence as the team’s hit the pads and entered the changing rooms. No less than 10 minutes later, they were back out raring to go, Hammersmith and Fulham playing away from me throughout the first half, an uncommon affair.

Nevertheless, the boys started well despite giving an early penalty away off the restart, an eagerness to impress I expect and a prediction made by Pete Morris just before the whistle. Following Belsize Park’s kick to touch, the line out was contested and a scrum was awarded to the Hammers. A solid platform was formed by the forwards and the backs were released. A dummy, miss pass and an inside ball later Tim Russell found himself over the line, a 50m score that I could truly appreciate from my Bird’s eye view behind. Unlike previous weeks Joe Carolan needed no warming up and the conversion was slotted, for he is most at peace when the pressure is on him, 7 vs 0 Hammersmith & Fulham. The next 15 minutes were much the same as the Hammers intensity continued, Belsize only being relieved through a series of penalties caused by ill-discipline. The period did, however, eventually see Hammersmith add two additional converted tries, a strong pick-up off the base of the Scrum and some great hands from Matt Killeen and Tim Russell allowed Tom Proctor to dot down in the corner, while a break through the ruck from Joe Carolan and some outside support from Matt Killeen led to a further try, score 21 vs 0.

The next 20 minutes saw the tide turn and although I love to see Hammersmith doing well, it was nice to get closer to the action. Continued ill-discipline, as well as strong carries from Belsize Park saw the Hammers on the back foot, something the team would be unfamiliar with at home this season. While Hammersmith held out strong, they were unable to enter Belsize’s half and 20 minutes later the pressure took its toll. After a Tim Russell yellow card, taken on behalf of the team, it took just 2 minutes for Belsize Park to score. A quick-tap, some strong carries and great hands saw them score over the line to my left-hand side, just before half-time. An accurate conversion to my right and the extra 2 points were given, score heading into half time, Hammersmith & Fulham 21, Belsize Park 7.

As the second-half kicked off, you could hear the wind whistling and the nerves around Hurlingham, how would the Hammers respond? – now playing towards me. Unfortunately, not well. As the restart was spilled forward, Belsize pounced, their 13 running a strong line which sliced through the Hammers defence for a score, 21 vs 14, game-on. As Tessa Blanchard once said, “I do, I put pressure on myself” and that is exactly what Hammersmith had done, the response was now key, and what a response it was. With Tim Russell now back on the pitch the Hammers looked to press for the bonus point and after some consistent pressure and a Belsize Park yellow card, it was an inside ball to a galloping Ed Haynes that unleashed James Lo to score on my right-hand side. Carolan unfortunately, hitting my twin brother’s outside shoulder on this occasion, 26 vs 14. While his radar may have been slightly adrift on this occasion, it wasn’t 2 minutes later, as he slotted a penalty that intersected my brother and I. As the crowd cheered, all I could remember was Jacob Poulton’s whisper beforehand “think about the skill” – only 30 minutes earlier he had seen his dubious up and under result in a penalty for Belsize Park. With their tails now up, some great skills were on show. A solid Steve John catch from kick-off and some fantastic hands, saw Tim Russell storming down my left, an attempted inside pass to Joe Carolan was deemed to be deliberately knocked down by the Belsize Park defender and a further yellow card ensued – Belsize Park down to 13, an apparent eighth card of the season for them! From the scrum that followed, I was able to witness the backs once again in all their glory, a set-piece move saw Matt Killeen break the line and offload to James Lo for his second of the match and fourth of the season. This time there was no mistake and the Caravan slotted the ball just to my right, 36 vs 14.

Against the run of play Belsize Park struck next. With 15 players back on the pitch and some fantastic hands, their 11 was away, Dodging, Ducking, Dipping, Diving and Dodging like he was playing Globo Gym, the try was eventually scored in the corner – some very average Joe’s play from the Hammers backline. Conversion on this occasion unsuccessful, score 36 vs 19. With 5 minutes to play Hammersmith grabbed the match by the scruff of its neck. Ollie Weaver putting the team in a fantastic position, while exceeding Ben Dugdale’s request of just making touch. A great throw by Scott Van Berckel setting up the backline, as Tim Russell carried hard to the line. Three phases’ later and it was the tyre specialist himself Josh Smith over the line for the Hammers 6^th of the game. With Carolan taking the full 90 seconds to slot the kick, the clock was dead and as the whistle was blown, they knew they had won, but were reluctant to celebrate, for they knew in their heart what still awaits them. Full-time, 43 vs 19.

Another Bonus-point win for Hammersmith & Fulham RFC, as they make it 281 points for the season and 4 out of 4 so far. Unfortunately, I won’t be there to observe them as they face a tough Old Haberdashers team away next week but wish them the best. Until Fullerian’s at home, I bid my farewell, for with drive and a bit of talent, you can move mountains.

The Left-Post closest to the Flood Lit Training Pitch

Score: Hammersmith & Fulham Men’s 1^st XV 43 vs Belsize Park Men’s 1^st XV 19

Man of the Match: Alex Spicer

A sunny day set the scene for what the Hammersmith expected to be a challenging day, and the first game away from home this season.

Cobham started the game fast, as Hammersmith tried to wash off a warmup which had lacked execution. Cobham prevented multiple attempts from Hammersmith to leave their half. Then they were able to rack up some phases which lead to a step and offload from Cobham’s 10, setting up the first points of the game. 7-0.

With neither team able to create too much momentum a slick set piece saw the Hammersmith forwards maul their way to the second score of the day. 7-5.

Unfortunately for Hammersmith, further difficulty with execution continued and then a defensive penalty allowed Cobham take three points in front of the sticks. 10-5.

The rush defensive call was given, and Joe Carolan ran up to intercept a pass leading to Hammersmith’s second score of the day. 10-12.

Following the next restart, Hammersmith seem to be lifted and started to show what they can do. With Forwards and backs linking up well. A break from Tim Russell and good support from Scott Van Berckel, Lead to good position within Cobham’s half. Further forward punch ups continued, the move was finished by Ollie Weaver completing a three person miss pass, for James lo to finish in the corner. 10-17

The positive spell continued as major ground made by Tom Proctor and Josh Smith found Hammersmith in the Cobham 22. A great cross field kick from Ollie Weaver was expertly received by Tim Russell who offloaded to Edward Haynes for Hammersmith’s fourth try of the day. 10-24

Momentum continued for Hammersmith, after a move which started just outside of their 22 was ended by Ben Dugdale, he claims, doting the ball down. The ref however felt the ball was knocked on and so the scrum was given to Cobham which lead to a good exit for Cobham. Hammersmith found themselves once again being unable to string passes together, luckily for Hammersmith this period was brief and following a solid kick chase an attacking scrum on the half way line was won. A slick backs move, gave the ball to the back three whom connect well with James lo finishing the move off. 10-31

This period of play continued, after receiving the restart Hammersmith put phases together. Finishing with a good inside ball from Ollie Weaver to Joe Carolan, whom after a dummy was able to run directly under the sticks. 10-38

Shortly after the start of the second half , the Hammersmith’s defensive penalty count started to rise. This allowed Cobham multiple visits to within the Fulham 22. On the third time of asking, Cobham upped the intensity and got the first points of the half. A good line out, followed by a strong midfield move and then quick hands found the space out wide. 15-38

Both teams then took turns stringing a few phases together without much return. A good pass from Ross Anderson gave the Hammersmith back three another chance in attack. This time choosing a less orthodox style with the ball finding the floor quick thinking from Peter Morris led to a bit of football, allowing Tim Russell to jump on the ball once it was over the line. 15-43

Another patch of form was found by Hammersmith, a good period of phases strung together lead to another good set piece and a second maul try from the forwards. 15-50

Hammersmith were then able to complete an end-to-end play from the kick off, including an excellent kick and collect from Peter Morris, and an impressive carry from old man Rogan, who once back to his feet went again with a pick and go. Joe Carolan completed his hattrick scoring off an inside ball from Josh Smith. 15-57

Following this Cobham had another period of attack, but the ball was picked out by Tim Russell who ran the ball in from 60 meters out. 15-64

Cobham had one last attack in them, identical to their other try of the half. A penalty led to a line out in a dangerous area, a big hit up in the midfield then quick hands to score on the edge. 20-64.

At the final whistle Hammers went into the changing room happy with the result, but disappointed by discipline and errors, lots to work on this week.