Hammers 1s v Harpenden – Match Report

Hammersmith and Fulham hosted Harpenden on the last Saturday of the opening month into the season. Hammers needing to kick start their campaign with a win in September.

Hammers begun spritely with a good pattern off the kick off leading to a Penalty in front of Harpenden’s posts. Josh Thomas continued his form with the boot. 3-0. Harpenden came back strong and showed their skill and pace for the rest of the half.

 

Harpenden’s level of intensity was above the Hammers with their forwards showing great dexterity with the offloads. Releasing their backs with blistering pace and accurate passing. This lead, to 5 out of the 6 tries being ran in by the back contingent in the first half.

The Hammers struggled to keep up with the pace injected in this first half and the second looked like it would be the making for a long day at the office.

3-38 HT

H&F started like the first, with promising play from the lineout and the back line playing the quarters well. Controlling the possession for the first ten minutes but one scintillating attack from Harpenden led to the hatrick of Harpendens Left wing.

Hammers were not to be deterred by the score line and the focus was to win the half. The management rung the changes and this brought more impetus into the ball carrying.

A good move from Tommy Kanauros sniping around the ruck and finished by Josh Thomas off his shoulder to go under the posts. Converted by himself.

With his trademark barnstorming runs, Angus Lean – Man of the Match, allowed Hammers to get in behind Harpenden giving H&F the phase play they missed in the first half.

A quick taken throw allowed good passing across the pitch to allow back row come-winger, Ultan Bruton, to dive over in the corner. James Lo not content with not getting on the scoresheet broke 3 tackles to go over the whitewash, to win the half for Hammers 19-17.

FT 22- 55

H&F are going into October without a win under their belt and things have to change quickly to get their season back on track.