Hammers 3rds overcome a spirited Grasshoppers

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It was on a wet and rainy October the 2nd that Hammersmith 3s were getting ready to play their first game of the season at fortress Hurlingham. Today’s lamb to the slaughter: the Grasshoppers RFC that, after suffering a severe beating during pre-season, were out for revenge. However, as will soon be obvious, they were no match against the all-fearing all-conquering Hammers team of that day.

Despite the harsh conditions, spirits were high and captain Jones made sure that the goal of today’s game was clear for everyone: take names, make a statement, and contribute to what was soon to be called the 4 out of 4 weekend. After a solid and necessary warm-up, and a quick gathering in changing rooms, the team was on the pitch ready to rumble.

With the wind on our side during first half, kick-off was long and quickly enough Hammers were in the place they wouldn’t leave for the whole of the first half: the opposition’s 22.  After a good defensive phase and some ball-handling errors from Grasshoppers, Hammers had re-gathered the ball. Some solid carries of the forwards later, the ball was played out wide quickly where Sandy was able so send Sam straight through the middle for his 1st (of many) try of the day! Then followed an extended period of time during which Hammers neither left the other team’s camp nor managed to score any points. A lack of discipline, as well as solid scrums and lineouts from the Grasshoppers were to blame for these unacceptably meagre spoils. The team nevertheless re-focused and was able to materialise their dominance in the form of two tries right before half-time: Adam in the middle and Jamal out on the wing.

Half-time score: 19-0.

At that point Hammers were feeling confident and knew that the game was theirs for the taking, even with the wind against us and conditions getting worst. In fact, what began as a light drizzle had turned into a proper shower, or what the Irish call ‘barbecue weather’, to the great damn of both the bench and the two valiant supporters that chose not to hide under the clubhouse and watch the 1s.

Right after kick-off the team was already cornered in their 22s and after a well-executed line-out Grasshoppers managed to score their first try of the game. Hammers knew they had to regain momentum quickly, but the opposition could feel they had (literally) the wind at their back and had returned close to our line. Once again discipline was lacking and after some tackles too high and not aggressive enough, Hammers conceded another try. This turn of events was not acceptable, and the team made sure to get back to it with a renewed intensity. Our fitness superiority and the entrance of the bench made it that we quickly regained the upper-hand, and soon enough Hammers were back where they belonged. The rest of this game is a bit of a blur as I was actually on the pitch, and because tries were lining up too fast for me to follow. The opposition had seemingly given up and Hammers were just too fit, too fast and too furious to handle. Sam -the Vaseline – Nursery got another couple tries under his belt after some magnificent runs, as did Adam straight after kick-off. Isaac finally finished them off with a great run and an even greater final dummy for maximal disrespect.

Strong performance for the 3s’ first game at home and a great weekend for the club!

Final Score : 48-13

MoM : Sam Nursery | DoD : Seb Money

Hammers 4s XV Triumph in a Torturous Tempest over a Fierce Feltham

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Hammersmith and Fulham 4s XV went into Saturday having recorded back-to-back losses, amounting to the team’s worst start to a season for four years. Yet, in a week where petrol was scarcer than veterans at training, nothing would prevent the Hammers from turning up in droves to right the wrongs of previous weeks.

So focused on the mission at hand was Marsh, and so keen to flaunt his back-to-school plimsols, that bringing appropriate footwear was no longer a significant concern. With the team assembled, and boots adequately redistributed, a storm was coming to Feltham.

Literally, a storm was brewing. As if Steve “Scotty T” Danby had summoned the mighty Zeus himself with his rousing words and sultry Geordie twang, a biblical tempest gathered over the outer reaches of West London.

Kicking into the wind to start the game, Hammers fly-half, Nick Emmett, bounced the ball along the ground to only just make it past 10. What appeared to the untrained eye to be a pathetic fumble of a kick, was indeed a beautiful masterstroke from the well-versed veteran to nullify the, now, gale-force winds.

A strong defensive set in the Feltham half and penalty turn-over won the ball back and put the Hammers on the front foot. Kicking to the corner, the ever-wise Emmett deciding to get the ball off the ground this time, the Hammers threatened an attacking lineout.

Three Feltham turnovers and re-entries into the 22 later, Marsh, on debut and feeling the 99-agility of his recently borrowed boots, dropped a shoulder to cross the whitewash and score the opening points of the game.

0-7 to the visitors. A good start.

With a pack size to rival the Springboks, Feltham came back swinging, crashing time and again upon the Hammers defence. After 5 minutes of relentless pressure, the flood defences gave out. The sluice gates opened and Feltham trundled over the line.

5-7

For the subsequent 20 minutes, a period characterised by knock-ons, forward passes and lost balls in contact, either the Hammers backs hadn’t cleaned the hair-pomade from their pre-match ritual off their hands, or the weather was starting to take its toll.

Pacey debutant Dan Chirwa dropped a pass from Jamie Drysdale, who had boshed through the Feltham centres, to squander a 2 vs. 1 on the fullback and an undeniable try-scoring opportunity. Such was the apparent error, that when gifted exactly the same opportunity 5 minutes later, Drysdale flagrantly ignored Chirwa’s cries and put ball to laces rather than risk the apparent danger of another pass in those conditions.

Late in the half and exploiting Feltham’s eagerness to “Fold the 9” (as was overheard several times), Tomos withheld his offload from the top of an attacking line-out, jumped to the floor and simply strolled through the Feltham pack cross the line without challenge.

12-5 at half time.

Forced changes to the Hammers 9/10 combination on either side of half time due to injury seemed to cause confusion, as the ball was suddenly finding its way to the wing without hitting the turf. With another debutant Ollie Boulton filling in at 9, and the revelations of what was possible, Hammers discovered an entirely new region of the pitch – the 15-metre line.

Now, to be honest, I don’t remember much of the second half because I spent most of it gasping for oxygen like a fish out of water (pretty sure I’ve missed a try in here somewhere, sincere apologies Ed Haynes), but from what could be discerned between frantic breaths, the Hammers had discovered their Joue Joue.

Apparently fresh off watching a Quade Cooper highlights reel, Ollie Boulton threw shoulders left and right to weave through the Feltham pack for another try. In the dying embers of the game, again appearing as the protagonist in our tale, Marsh (playing 8 by the way) cleared his own lines with a monstrous kick to an isolated Feltham forward, only to recollect the ball himself and offload to a charging Scotty T who topped off an ultimate breakaway try.

Final score: 5-36

With a roster of scorers spread across many positions, strong performances from a string of debutants playing out of position, and a genuinely impressive 50% conversion rate in ungodly conditions, the 4s displayed their strength in depth and unity as a team. Bring on the rest of the season!

Hammers 2nd XV vs London Cornish

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Hammersmith and Fulham 2’s made the favourably short journey of 7 mins down the A3 to play London (eaten too many) Cornish pasties at the Richardson Evans Memorial Playing Fields. Blustery and wet conditions made no excuses. Mitch Lewis got the 2s off to a tepid start via a quick change of direction drop-kick off that didn’t even make it 10 unfortunately.

What Cornish lacked in numbers (13 players) they made up for in brute force as the Hammers found themselves pinned in their own half for the first 20-30 mins eventually leading to a maul-driven try by Cornish in the corner. The windy conditions thankfully meant this try went unconverted 5-0, and the Hammers turgid start finally turnaround after playing some actual rugby resulting in a try to 2s debutant Joe Crawley danced his way through two Cornish players before hurdling their prop to dot down, this was duly converted by Ben Dugdale, our terrier-like dogged halfback, with the sides going in at halftime 5-12 to the Hammers.

In the second half, the Hammers numerical advantage and fitness finally started to pay dividends, which were further compounded due to additional injuries to the Cornish team. Starting the match with a front-row that looked like something you’d find in Terry’s Lost-and-Found bin at the clubhouse, a front three of Whittingham, Reuben “Please Don’t Deport Me” Hernandez, and Johnson actually held their own against a former Cornish 1s prop duo who came in at a whopping 120kg and 130kg respectively. They simply looked as though they had eaten the existing 2s front row and taken their places.

Unforced errors, a lack of discipline across the park, and half a dozen knock-ons from the backs in wet and blustery condition were the key issues for 2s which resulted in Cook, Imfeld and Hernandez having to step in as makeshift centres to eventually play through Vaughan for his second try of the day following a good run from Cook through the midfield. Following a short dry spell Mitch pulled off a cross field kick and with a faithful bounce it landed in the hands of Morgan who sensed white line fever whilst being chased down so started to slide in from the 5m line but even he was unsure if he grounded fully.

However, it was Lalor who was simultaneously both the best and worst in the same passage of play after dropping the ball from a kick-off, somehow managed to avoid knocking it on only to then grubber kick the ball 30 yards, pick it up himself and pass to play in our resident Kiwi Bryce “Up the Bok” Morgan for his second try. He was duly advised by his fellow forwards to cut out that razzle-dazzle nonsense moving forward, else he’ll have got dick of the day.

Ed Donovan received Man of The Match after 4 years out of rugby lasted 80mins and Hernandez, despite similar strong efforts on the loose head side, received Dick of the Day (again!) after giving away a penalty due to a high tackle for the second week running, albeit narrowly escaping a yellow card this time due to mitigating factors.

All in all, quite a lot to improve on across the park, but the 2’s remain undefeated and finished out the match as 38-5 winners.

 

Physios Wanted

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The Hammers are looking to recruit part time physios to join our existing team who cover all adult matches (male and female) as well as providing support to our Youth Section.

If you are interested, please email headphysio@fulhamrugby.co.uk for more information.

Return to Play

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The new season is set to start as normal for the whole community game with the RFU announcement that clubs can re-instate scrums and mauls in training from Monday 19 July and in matches from Saturday 7 August. The new season is set to start as normal for the whole community game.

Clubs and players will be able to return to full contact rugby. As always, player welfare is the main priority and the return to scrums and mauls will be managed as safely as possible in accordance with the step-by-step plan published by the RFU.

 

The Adult Game

When can clubs return to full contact rugby? (10s and 15-a-side)

We have carefully considered the preparation period required after a long lay-off. We have taken advice from medics, coaches, directors of rugby and players within the community game to create the below pathway:

Adult Rugby

The updated rugby roadmap for adult rugby is here.

Monday 19 July

Scrums and mauls can be re-instated in training only.

A minimum 3-week preparation period of training sessions follows ahead of match play.

Coaches are reminded that they are responsible for working with all players to assess their physical readiness and technical competence before returning to scrummaging. Players may be at different levels of fitness and conditioning. See below guidance for returning to scrummaging safely.

Coaches must be satisfied that players have undertaken sufficient technical preparation, skill refinement and reconditioning work before returning to full contact match play.

Internal training games are allowed between Monday 19 July and Saturday 7 August. Training games should include an incremental approach to scrummaging and coaches should rotate players every 20 minutes. Clubs should not return to match intensity full contact 15 a-side training games immediately.

Saturday 7 August

Full contact 15-a-side and 10-a-side rugby matches, with scrums and mauls, may resume against other clubs from, and not before, Saturday 7 August.

It is the choice of clubs and players whether they wish to compete in full contact matches from Saturday 7 August. There is no pressure to do so.

Teams that do not yet feel ready for full contact 15s have the option of playing 7s, 10s, XRugby or 15-a-side rugby with uncontested scrums.

Saturday 4 September

Full contact 15-a-side league rugby commences for Men’s Levels 3 and 4, and for 14-team men’s leagues in Levels 5 and below.

Saturday 18 September

Full contact 15-a-side league rugby commences for 12 and 10 league men’s teams in London & SE.

Saturday 25 September

Full contact 15-a-side league rugby commences for 12 and 10 league men’s teams in North, Midlands & SW.

25/26 September

Full contact 15-a-side- rugby commences for majority of women’s competitions.

 

Youth Rugby

The Age Grade Summer Activity Framework remains in place for the June to August off-season period.

After the disruptions of the pandemic, this enables players to continue to re-engage with rugby throughout the summer months if they wish, and to safely build their readiness to play full contact rugby from Saturday 4 September.

To support this, the Summer Activity Framework already includes provision for friendly matches to be played under adapted contact laws during August. These can start from 7 August, following a period of development in training sessions from Monday 19 July.

This enables scrums and mauls to be reintroduced in a controlled way in friendlies and helps players who have not yet played them, particularly at U14-U16, the chance to experience these key elements of full contact rugby.

More detailed communication will follow on adapted contact laws for Age Grade friendlies.

Monday 19 July

From Monday 19 July, scrum and maul progressions can be included in the defined training times shown in the framework.

XRugby can continue to be played through the rest of July in friendlies (without scrum or mauls).

Saturday 7 August – Saturday 4 September

Adapted contact laws may begin in Age Grade friendlies from Saturday 7 August.

XRugby and non-contact can also continue in friendly matches.

Saturday 4 September

Full contact 15-a-side matches permitted.

Timings for RFU national age grade competitions remain as previously communicated:

W/c 13 Sept – U18s Schools Cup
W/c 27 Sept – U15s Schools Cup
W/c 4 Oct – U18 Boys Age Grade Cup
W/c 11 Oct- U18s/U15s Girls Age Grade Cup

Notice of Annual General Meeting

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This year’s Annual General Meeting will be held online
at 7.30pm on Monday 28th JUNE 2021.

 

Details of how to join the meeting and access the papers will be emailed to all Voting Members (Vice Presidents, Life members, Playing members & Associate members) by Monday 21st June 2021.

 

Chris Cuthbertson
Hon Secretary
Hammersmith & Fulham RFC

 

Hammers Ladies are looking for a new backs coach

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Hammers Ladies would like to enhance their current coaching set up by recruiting a Backs Coach to help deliver the teams’ objective of securing promotion to Championship South for our 1st XV and supporting our 2nd XV in their progress up the leagues.

 

Who are we?

Hammersmith & Fulham Ladies were formed in 2003 and have grown to become an experienced squad with a first team who were Championship South East 2 winners in the 2019/20 season, and a 2nd XV who in their first full season topped their Inner Warrior League. The squad is a part of Hammersmith & Fulham RFC (‘the Hammers’) which is one of London’s largest and most successful amateur Rugby clubs, with an ethos of playing high-level rugby, an inclusive and welcoming culture and a renowned social scene.

Hammersmith and Fulham Ladies RFC is more than just a Rugby club, it’s a home, and we’re looking for a passionate, self-motivated and enthusiastic Backs Coach to be part of it.

 

Who are we looking for?

 Backed by the established coaching team of Paul Phillips and Andy Barrington, our Ladies squads are ready to take on their new challenges. Whether it is our 1st XV aiming to defend their league title and obtain promotion to Championship South or our 2nd XV looking to flourish in National Challenge 2, we are looking for an experienced and enthusiastic Backs Coach to join us for the 2020-21 season and beyond. Working in conjunction with the current coaching team and supported by the Captains of the Ladies teams, as well as the Ladies Committee, we would look to the Backs Coach to support the creation of a challenging and supporting environment for both experienced and new players.

They would be expected to:

  • Contribute to the planning and delivering of training sessions twice a week (Tuesdays and Thursdays, 7.30-9pm) during the season (August to April), availability for pre-season/summer training can be discussed
  • Assist the Head Coach with match day squad selection
  • Support the squad on match days (Sundays), both home and away

The ideal coach would have:

  • Minimum of Level 2 coaching qualification, though those with RFU Rugby Ready and CPD Scrum Factory will be considered
  • Experience as a backs coach
  • Experience of coaching women’s rugby
  • Have a genuine interest in being a part of the squad and a passion for player development and to help progress and promote women’s rugby

Where are we?

From our home base in Fulham’s Hurlingham Park, we are very close to some of London’s most vibrant and youthful suburbs and nightlife locations and are well-served by public transport. Applicants who work in London will find us especially convenient.

 

Position:          Backs Coach

Section:            Ladies

Contract Type: Voluntary

 

If you are an energetic, ambitious coach with a love of rugby and are looking for a friendly club with an ethos of success we want to hear from you.

For more information please contact our Ladies Director, Sophie Tauchert by 30September 2020

Email: hfrfcladiesdirector@gmail.com

Return to Play one step closer

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Community Rugby has moved one step further towards returning to competitive rugby. The RFU has announced that its Return to Community Rugby Roadmap has advanced from Stage C to Stage D.

The six stage roadmap progresses from Stage A which related to individual training with one other person through to Stage F where there can be a return to competitive matches against other teams.

The progression to Stage D on the Return to Rugby Roadmap means that limited and adapted contact activity can now be included in a training session and inter-club Touch/Ready4Rugby fixtures are allowed. In Stage D a maximum 15 minutes (total duration) of adapted contact activities within a single training session is permitted. In the remainder of the training session, players are permitted to undertake socially distanced strength and conditioning activities, small group non-contact skill development practice and/or Touch/Ready4Rugby games (the only other permitted game training activity).

Return to Play

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The RFU has announced that its Return to Community Rugby Roadmap has been updated from Stage C to STAGE D which means that clubs are now able to recommence a small amount of contact rugby – limited to no more than 15 minutes per 75 minute session.

Clubs must continue to follow government Coronavirus (Covid-19) guidelines, along with any local government lockdown restrictions that may be introduced.

The RFU has produced detailed guidance for Clubs which is available on the England Rugby website www.englandrugby.com/dxdam/04/047966b8-78b5-42a6-b106-81c5899443f0/Restarting-competitive-grassroots_VF.pdf

The return will initially be through non-contact rugby focused on Ready4Rugby, a specifically designed new non-contact game, enabling two teams of up to 10 players to engage in training and match activity in their own club environment. Subject to satisfactory operation through August the RFU hope to be able to move to inter-club Ready4Rugby in September.

Further details about Ready4Rugby can be found on the England Rugby website www.englandrugby.com/participation/playing/game-on/ready-4-rugby

Andrew Barrington will continue to ensure that Hammersmith & Fulham RFC remains compliant with the RFU and Government guidelines and will advise on changes to adult training in due course.

Hammers are back!

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Hammersmith & Fulham RFC is excited to welcome all new and returning players to our 2020-21 season!

Pre-season training starts on Thursday 9th July, 7-9pm at Hurlingham Park, SW6. In order to ensure pre-season is safe, productive and fun, ALL new and returning players MUST read the pre-season guidance

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