New structures bring encouraging results for the Hammers womens

It was a truly glorious day for rugby with the sun shining down and all the forwards wishing it wasn’t quite so warm. With the 1s focus on our new structure of play we faced up against S&E for what we knew would be an intense game.

Sutton scored the early points with their 10 shifting the point of attack across the pitch and catching the Hammers defence on the back foot. They failed to convert and soon afterwards Katherine did what all 9s do best and spotted the opportunity for a quick tap and go penalty, weaving through the retreating Sutton defence and score. Sirri converted to put Hammers in the lead 7-5. Sutton soon hit back through their winger darting down the touchline to take the lead 7-10 however, Hammers knew how to score with speed as well – Steffy decided to go for a run after catching a kick from Sutton and darted through the fractured defence to leave everyone in her dust. Another conversion helped put Hammers in the lead again 14-10. Hammers were soon back knocking on the try line at the end of the first half. Strong carries saw us to within a metre of the try line but a determined Sutton defence held up carries from both Tappers and Kaye.

This strong defensive effort galvanised Sutton going into the second half and they pushed back hard. A dip in focus from Hammers and missed tackles allowed Sutton back in the game and they grabbed onto it with both hands scoring 3 times in the second half.

Final score 14-29.

FOTM: Kaye for her ever strong carries and tackles

BOTM: Alex W for great control of the back line and awesome kicking game

Super Sub: Amy R for making great impact off the bench