Hammers 2XV vs Belsize Park 2XV
On a freezing cold Saturday afternoon our opponents were Belsize Park 2XV, 2 sides with 100% winning records against each other, it promised to be a juicy encounter! The vibe In the week leading up to the game was very positive, with James “do you know how much I’m worth” Watson and Alex “The funnel apprentice” both getting the lads up for the game, with James “Not sure you know im injured” Cramp echoing the lads words.
The warm up was strong and the lads looked all set to go, with Ash “I promise I’m over 18” Mitchell especially ready for the game!
The side line had some strong support down to watch the team, with some of the ladies team coming down in freezing temperatures alongside George “leeds leeds leeds” O’Hara, Al “I have no respect for my body” horner, Tim “squid” Chandler, Shaun “My ankle is done bru” Curtis and a rare appearance from Fraser “I google myself” Thurlow cheering the lads on.
The first half started at a great pace with a superb score by Chris “I have scored before” Eldredge dotting down in the corner following some great work by Hamish “Ed Sheeran” Dalgarno. The hammers continued to press and Jack “not quite Wilkinson” Davies knocking over a penalty to take it to 8-0. Big surges, a common feature all game, by Tim “Vunipola” Macnaughton and Damo “the rig” O’Dwyer kept the hammers on the front foot.
Unfortunately, the Hammers were hit with 2 sore injuries to Eldredge and to Slade “pretentious” Buchner. There were dogs running to the pitch after the Buchner injury such were the high-pitched screams with the dislocated shoulder, this would lead to him receiving a deserved dick of the day reward.
At the end of the first half, with the sideline frozen but 6 beers in, Hammers had a huge chance in the corner, but some superb defence by Belsize alongside some poor decisions resulted in the last play of the half.
Half time: 8-0 Hammers
There was a lot of positive chat at half time and it showed, with the lads scoring a superb try by Davies with some superb running angles and side stepping that would surely suit a Saturday evening show, Strictly superb, 10s held up everywhere.
Hammers had opened a 15-0 lead which is where Belsize in all credit fought back into the game with some hard running in the centre channels, turning the game on its head and taking a 20-15 lead, utilising the extra man well with Dalgarno in the bin.
Another superb score from Oli “not paul” Scholes, the score swung back in our favour, 22-20 with 10 mins to go! Not long after this Belsize attacked and scored in the corner also resulting in another injury to Davies with a nasty stinger, it moved Watson to 12 alongside Rhys “swiss army knife” Williams to 13 and Belsize attacked this area well, with both hitting hard but with 2 back rows In the centres the Belsize side spread the ball wide and quick and got 2 scores at the death to extend their winning run to 7 from 7!
A sore defeat with a lot of bruised bodies put on the line, however there are many positives to take away from the defeat knowing that there are extra gears within the squad to take it further.
A special mention to Benji “ive played 2s before” Reid putting in a superb performance to pick up the man of the match award.
Full time: Hammersmith & Fulham 2nd XV 22 – 30 Belsize Park 2nd XV
We look forward to the return fixture with Belsize at their ground!
