Spared rain on Sunday, it was still a chilly day up at Hampstead Heath where the Hammers ladies took on their long term rivals Hampstead. Conditions weren’t ideal with a boggy pitch underfoot, but given concerns earlier in the week we were glad to have both pitch and referee available so we could get playing!

Hampstead have been opposition in our league for many years now so we know they are dangerous at home. They proved this in the first 20 minutes, taking advantage of handling errors to push their way towards our line. After ferocious defence from Hammers, Hampstead eventually dived over to score the first points of the day.  They missed their conversion to make it 0-5. Hammers refocused under the posts and immediately put Hampstead under pressure in their half. Hard carries from the forwards pulled their pack in, before the backs got in on the action to send Maddie in to level the score. The rest of the first half remained attritional with neither team gaining the upper hand. Things stood all square at the half time whistle 5-5.

To keep the pressure on the scoreboard, Chloe J kicked a penalty early in the first half to give Hammers a 3 point lead, 8-5. Hampstead had the chance to even the score a few minutes later but their kick was slightly less accurate, allowing Hammers to clear the line. After that Hammers kept the pressure on with excellent strength in the scrum from the pack and probing kicks from Alex’s boot. A strong carry from Hannah in the Hampstead 22 set up a lovely phase of attack with a couple of hammer balls carrying us to within 5 metres of the line. A great line from Alex saw her held just underneath the posts, setting back the ball perfectly for Carola to leap (literally) over the line for our second try. Conversion was good from Monica, 15-5 It wasn’t long before we were scoring again, this time with Sophie stealing the ball from Hampstead on their own 5 metre line and sneaking over for the try. Again a great conversion from Monica, 22-5, and now Hammers were in the hunt for that extra bonus point try. Unfortunately, it wasn’t to be. The cold and wind leading to a few handling errors and strong defence from Hampstead, meant that we were denied that bonus point win we all wanted. Final score 22-5.

Forward of the match was Carola for her great work around the park, strength in the scrum and excellent try scoring

Back of the match was Ella for her strong carries and awesome work in defense

Sunday started well for the 1s with the Eight Bells putting on bacon butties to provide energy for the coach ride to Medway. Once we arrived we were greeted with bright sunshine and what felt like the beginning of a hurricane. As usual we were relegated to the child size pitch on top of the hill so there was no protection from the gale. We won the toss and decided to play into the wind and uphill to begin with, knowing that this would give us a strong advantage in the second half.

Medway kicked to us to begin the game and immediately trapped us in our half. The strong wind made it difficult for Chloe J to clear our lines and their strong running 12 put our defensive line under pressure. This pressure eventually told as Medway crashed over our line to make it 5-0. We put Medway straight under pressure with the next kick off and hammered towards their try line, however we were unable to retain control of the ball and Medway put us on the back foot as they took advantage of the conditions to trap us back in our half. Once again the pressure told and Medway managed to score and convert to make it 12-0. Half time.

aThe half time chat was clear and focused. We knew we needed to step up and we knew we had all the advantages of the conditions to close the gap. Chloe J pinned Medway back in their half at every penalty and the Hammers forwards piled on the pressure in the scrum. A scrum on the 5 metre led to a Kaye pick and go. From there the forwards hammered the line before Emma smashed her way through to make it 12-5. Another penalty 15 minutes later saw a line out 5 metres out from the Medway line. Given the windy conditions a cancel ball was called that caught Medway by surprise. Georgie and Carola made ground in the channel before Kaye dived over for the score. 12-12 with an excellent conversion from Chloe J. It was tense on the field but we knew we had the momentum behind us. Sustained pressure from Hammers over the ball and at the set piece meant that we were soon pressuring the Medway line again. Great teamwork was finished off once again by Kaye to make it 12-17!

Feeling like we had the bonus point in our grasp, and knowing there was less than 10 minutes left, Hammers went straight back at Medway from the kick off. Our strong carries told and soon we were within metres of the try line. A strong carry from Tappers bounced off the referee and over the line with Medway players piling on top of her. Much to Hammers frustration the referee pointed out he got in the way of the defensive line and then blew the final whistle rather than allowing the usual restart from that position.

A frustrating end to a well earned win but we will carry that frustration and desire to keep scoring into our next match against Wimbledon in two weeks time.

After a narrow lost to Chichester in the previous game, Hammersmith and Fulham 1XV were looking to come back strong in their local derby against Battersea Ironsides. It was a gloomy afternoon with the rain teasing us throughout the warm-up, looking like the skies would open at any moment. At least the pitch wasn’t waterlogged which made a change from the previous few weeks and there was good support on the touchline as the 2s game was cancelled.

Hammersmith and Fulham kicked off with the wind behind them and had a strong line-out drive nearing the opposition 22 but couldn’t quite hold on to the ball. A few scrums later, the Hammers started putting some phases together with good ball retention, culminating in high-flyer Tim Russell finishing off a well worked move in the corner. First blood to the Hammers! From the kick off, Hammersmith and Fulham were unable to exit and several phases of Battersea pressure enforced some strong defence to be applied. Eventually Adam Scaffardi was able to turn the ball over and we cleared our lines. From the next scrum, scrum half Ross Anderson struck a perfectly weighted kick into the opposition 5 metre line for a 50-22, giving us strong field position. A composed lineout and drive provided the platform for a well-executed backs move for Pete Bicknell to go break through the line and score.

The Hammers put their foot to the throttle and were able to score next. After a scrum on the half way line, captain Joe Carolan put a perfectly weighted kick through to allow Pete Bicknell to score his second try of the day; one try away from the bonus point after 20 minutes. Unfortunately, Battersea were next to score through a Hammersmith handling error just outside their 22 and they were able to go 60 metres under the post. Following the restart, after a sustained period of pressure, the boys were able to score a well worked lineout drive through second row Tom Proctor to secure the bonus point! For the remaining 10 minutes of the first half, Battersea were camped in our 22, with constant ‘pick and go’s’ from the ruck and after several penalties and strong defensive effort from Hammersmith and Fulham, they eventually were able to score.

Battersea commenced the second half and were able to sustain pressure in our 22 despite a few handling errors, but we weren’t able to exit fully. The first 20 minutes of the second half were mostly played in the Hammersmith half with possession switching hands regularly and no points scored. Then after quick ball for Hammersmith and Fulham, Joe Carolan put in a ‘small dink’ which winger Tim Russell was not only able to collect but also offload back to Joe and bring us 10 metres out from the Battersea try line. The lineout was lost, nevertheless Hammersmith and Fulham were still on their 22 and after another great backs move, Tim Russell pierced the gap and was able to step the full back and score in the corner. Battersea were able to stay in touch by responding with another try after putting together a few good phases through the middle. Hammersmith and Fulham continued to apply pressure and after a break from Pete Bicknell followed by quick hands, James Lo on his 150th Hammersmith and Fulham 1XV appearance was able to score a well-deserved try in the corner. Massive congrats to J Lo! The end to end match continued with Battersea scoring fairly soon after, this time in the corner.

In the final 5 minutes, Hammersmith and Fulham really turned up the heat. Another line break from Man of the Match Angus, who had carried well all game, set up Sean McMahon to score after a cheeky inside ball from a backs move. From the kick-off, Hammersmith decided to add some flair and play out of the 22. Marshall Macleod made a great break to give Tim Russell another hatrick, a try from 70 metres out and a great way to finish the game. You may have noticed I have not mentioned conversations throughout as there were not many that were made on the day due to the ‘windy conditions’…

The 1XV now look forward to a top of the table clash away at London Welsh on Saturday 12th March.

Tries;

Tim Russell X3

Pete Bicknell X2

Sean McMahon X1

James Lo X1

Tom Proctor X1

Conversions;

Joe Carolan X3

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 2^nd 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

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 2^nd XV 19 – 12 Hammersmith & Fulham 2^nd XV

MOTM: Ben Dugdale DOTD: James Darrell