Hammers Women’s 1st XV travel far to come up short against Hackney

It was another wonderfully cold and windy day for rugby when the Hammers made their way across London to face Hackney. It had been a tight victory to the Hammers when Hackney visited Hurlingham so we knew we were in for a tough battle. That was true straight from the off. Hard carries and hits disrupted the structure of both teams with many (many) scrums needed. It was a tight arm wrestle in the forwards up front with neither side wanting to concede an inch. However, eventually Hackney managed to break the deadlock with a break on the outside to score. 5-0. Hammers came straight back, camping out in the Hackney 22 for the rest of the first half to put pressure on the hosts but were unable to convert pressure into points.

After regrouping at half time Hammers took it straight to Hackney. Ill-discipline from the hosts allowed Hammers into the 22 and tight pod work drew the forwards in. Quick ball out to the backs allowed a strong carry from Kaye to crash over the line. The conversion was unsuccessful keeping the score level at 5-5. Hackney weren’t deterred by this and continued to bring the intensity. After possession changed hands multiple times, Hackney made their way back into the Hammers 22. Quick ball from their 10 and sharp offloading put their winger into space and over the line once again 12-5. Hammers attempted to rally but a rising penalty count led to a team yellow card for Chloe J. After another penalty confusion allowed Hackney to take a quick tap giving them the space to cut through the retreating Hammers defence and score 17-5. While Hammers continued to fight through to the last minute, it wasn’t to be.

A disappointing day but we go again this weekend against Wimbledon at home. See you there.