Hammers 3rd XV overcome a talented London Kiwis to stay unbeaten
A top of the table clash between the two remaining unbeaten sides in the league was always going to be a tasty affair, with neither of the sides wanting their winning streaks to come to an end. The game was to take place at fortress Hurlingham and after the boys were pushed through a much needed warm up overseen by Clarky, and a rousing team talk from our fearless leader Jonesy, the team was ready to take the field against the waiting and undefeated Kiwis.
Sandy started the game by kicking off on the clear and crisp afternoon, deep into the opposition’s half, where the game would be played for much of the first ten minutes of the game. The Hammers first try came from the hands of the quick footed Will Thompson who scored after a quick counterattack on the right side of the field by beating two players and finishing in the corner. The boys continued to rumble forward into the opposition half with some good carries from the forward pack breaking the line. The second and third tries came in quick succession after the first and were scored by Isaac and then by big Willy in the corner, both off of line outs in the Kiwis 22. The rest of the first half was a tougher battle between the two teams with Harry being harshly Sin-Binned and both Sandy and Mooney succumbing to pulled hamstrings and having to leave the field. The Kiwis finally took use of their numerical advantage and managed to pull one back through some good running rugby around the edge of the depleted backline.
Half-Time Score: 15-5
The second half was a far more physical and attritional affair than the first with both teams trying to gain the ascendency. But with the Hammers restored to their full complement the Kiwis were unable to add to their first half score, unfortunately either could the Hammers. Despite the half being scoreless the boys showed plenty of heart and put in many a bone crunching tackle, with Rory and Luke in particular putting some massive hits in, much to the delight of the 2nd XV cheering on from the side lines. The game finished 15-5 to the Hammers, therefore still remaining unbeaten in the league. A top performance all round from the boys and was ended perfectly with a rendition of the club favourite Country Roads on the pitch afterwards to celebrate the victory.
Final Score: 15-5
MoM: Gabriel Bena | DoD: Adam Crompton
