Hammers 4s v Belsize Park – Match Report

After an uphill start to the season, Hammers 4th XV took the field at Fortress Hurlingham eager for a first league win against a firmly mid-table Belsize Park.

After a rusty warm up, deputy-deputy captain Andrew ‘Tilly’ Tilbrook fired up his troops and Hammers got off to a solid start. Following a couple of unsteady scrums, the forwards regained confidence through Bob Davies and James Watson’s beautifully orchestrated line out routine, providing a platform for Brazilian winger Mark Bishop to dot down two early tries to put the 4s 10 points ahead within the first 15 minutes. Fast distribution through the 9-10-12 combination of Myers, Eldredge and Jager, supported by sustained pressure from the forward pods, opened up the Belsize defence for two further tries and Hammers walked off at half time with a healthy 25-point lead.

The fun really started in the second half…in the space of ten minutes, Adam Nixon was penalised for some unintelligible chat to the referee, Colin McDonald uncharacteristically got angry and Abe Knight, moments after an impassioned speech to the team about cutting out Sonny Bill style offloads, kindly popped the ball into the hands of a grateful Belsize centre who promptly brought his team back into the game. A second well worked Belsize try piled on the pressure further, alleviated slightly by Bishop rounding off his hat-trick. Another two Belsize tries followed which the author can’t really remember due to being in a shame spiral after two hideous dropped catches (see Tin Man section for further details), and Hammers started to feel the momentum shift.

Reinforcements were brought on to spark some life into the team and Hammers started to take control again, with replacement fly-half David Franklin putting the home side back in a commanding position before promptly opening up his face. Winding down the clock with a ten point cushion seemed too easy, and so Chris Jager attempted to take the head off a Belsize player and consequently took a breather for ten minutes at the referee’s insistence. The 14 remaining Hammers rallied and kept their structures to close out the game and record a first league win this season.

Man of the match – Mark Bishop

Tin Man – Bob Davies for twice dropping the ball in seemingly no-pressure situations

Honourable mentions – Abe Knight for gifting a Belsize try, Chris Jager for his time in the bin, Tim Murray for only managing 10 minutes

Debut – Chris Appleyard

Hammers 2s v Richmond – Match Report

Turning up to an incredibly windy Richmond, Hammersmith & Fulham 2s were eager to maintain their strong start to the season. Having won a hard fought game against a Richmond team earlier in the season, the team knew they were in for a tough afternoon.
 
Having chosen to play with the wind in the first half, the Hammers started well with strong, direct runs from the forwards and sharp lines from the backs, stretching the Richmond defence to its breaking point. This quickly put the Hammers team 14 points to nothing up. Richmond came back into the game, but was unable to narrow the score before the break, with the halftime score at 21-7 to the Hammers. 
 
The second half was a much more even affair, with the wind and the penalty count strongly in favour of the home side. Each team had periods of pressure, resulting in both teams scoring 3 tries.
 
Within the final 5 minutes of the game with the Hammers up by 11, Richmond managed to get over the line bringing them within one score. Closer than they had been at any stage of the match. The Hammers would need to stop Richmond’s momentum and finish the game well in order to earn the win. The Hammers were able to do this and finish the game off in style, as Sykes was able to chase his own kick and dot the ball down for a try and the final play of the game. Final score: Richmond 29 – Hammersmith and Fulham 42.
 
The Hammers now go into a bye week nicely placed at the top of the table with 5 wins from 6 games.

Hammers 5ths v Wasps – Match Report

The sun was out as the V’s headed through glorious Shepherds Bush to Acton to take on Wasps Amateurs and continue their progression up the league this year.

A fast start, with structured forward play saw the Hammers advance immediately into the oppo 22, thanks to solid hit ups from Michael Cusition and Jimmy Mitchell in particular. The pressure was soon turned into points with Mitchell picking out a 9 stone defender in the line and cruising over the line.

It wasn’t long after that yet again the Wasps defensive line was looking a little leaky. Paul Davies was through the middle quicker than you can say “Scatty Scuttlebug” and in the end, our own American superstar Chad Brad managed to get over for some meat.

There was soon a little wake up call at the opposite end. A few too many shoulder stroking tackles let to the Wasps forwards bundling over, and we were suddenly at 14-7 having dominated all of the action previously.

Luckily that was all Wasps had for the remainder of the match, and a cricket-esque score had been accumulated. 96-7.

Honourable mentions to:
Steven Danby who kicked 13/14 conversions, despite running the clock down multiple times when the incorrect tee was passed to him (Gilbert rather than Adidas i think it was).
Well done to Charles Allen who managed to cast aside the distraction of new love and played with composure on the wing.
Jack Mitchell showed great pace to break clear late in the second half, and with only 30 yards and no defenders to the line…..the gas tank emptied in a second.
Jimmy Mitchell had a good go at the record try tally for one game, with 4 meat pies, a performance that only Seb Money could somehow deny MOM for.

Hammers Ladies 1st XV v Beckenham – Match Report

 

And so the Hammers found themselves making the short (in Katie S’ case, the very short) trip to old foes Beckenham on a clear but somewhat blustery day (you go Storm Brian). Things started off well a little bumpy with a few last minute team changes and our coach driver thinking he was auditioning for the latest the Fast and the Furious film. But we ended up arriving in Kent 30 minutes earlier than expected and with a rather large and rowdy crowd. As it turns out they weren’t there to witness our clash of the titans match but to take part in an annual charity half marathon and bake sale (only one of those things is actually fun).

Warm up was a funny affair and perhaps the early arrival time played havoc with our preparation as by all accounts the team undertook some of the worst team runs witnessed this century. However, after some stern words from the coaches the team resolved to put this right when it mattered i.e. the actual match. After some inspirational/idiotic words from a stand in captain imploring the team to “do it for the shirt, do it for the girl next door…” the team were suitably relaxed, confused and looking forward to starring in their own Romcom themed match. We started strongly with us dominating early on, holding onto the ball and recycling it well.  There were strong hit ups from the forwards and the backs were doing their usual runny thing but we weren’t able to turn the pressure into points. After coughing up the ball it was Beckenham’s turn to put some pressure on but the Hammers stood firm and we were once more at a bit of an impasse. Beckenham took the ball into contact and after some strong defence the Hammers were able to run defence into attack. The ball made it through the hands into Mich’s arms and she proceeded to run around 4 Beckenham players to score on the right wing. The opposition was somewhat confused how this happened with a fair number of their forwards camped on the half way line wondering what had just happened. The score was unconverted but the Hammers had their noses in front 5-0. I don’t really remember what happened next but believe we didn’t control the restart, Beckenham came at us again, perhaps someone was distracted by a badger and then sadly Beckenham scored. They then decided to copy Mich and missed the conversion. We were all square.

 

The rest of the half involved much to-ing and fro-ing. Neither team was able to totally dominate and continuity was hard to come by. This wasn’t helped by the quasi-villain of the piece – the ref – who seemed to hate both sides in equal measure. Eventually after some great defensive pressure from the Hammers Mich completed a repeat of her first try to score on the right wing. This time the score was converted, the Beckenham forwards were once again confused and we were 12-5 up As repetition is a wonderful thing we decided to repeat our first try performance by not controlling the restart and allowing Beckenham control of the baby. After some good phases by them they were able to score and convert their try. 12-12, everyone loves a bit of symmetry. We finished the half strongly, camped on their line with a Beckenham player sent off for the most audacious of handballs since Maradona’s Hand of God. Unfortunately we weren’t able to keep control of the ball and the halftime whistle blew with the scores stuck at 12 all.

Gathering at half time the team were a tad disappointed in their performance and aware that we’d left a number of scores out there. Caroline and Mark worked hard to refocus us and point out that Beckenham were defending narrowly so the second half should be all about moving the ball quickly, gassing them on outside and with the wind on our backs turning them as much as possible. If this was a romcom then this was our time to undertake a makeover, transform from ugly ducklings into beautiful swans, charm the quarterback and become prom queen.  After the wise words of the coaches the forwards decided to ignore this completely, beefing up their pack with Baggers coming in to flank and HP experiencing what is now known as a “Collings Sandwich”. Powerful runs from the pack and some great kicking to the corner from Leah off Beckenham penalties meant we were camped on their try line and ready to pounce. Fred, enjoying a storming game at 8, battled the wind to help ensure her pack could secure some great line outs and form juggernaut mauls that Beckenham just could not cope with. Even putting their bodies on the line read pulling down the maul and getting concussed couldn’t stop the Hammers and Baggers leapt like a salmon to score our third try. Whilst there was some doubt over the grounding calls from Beckenham for the TMO were declined by the referee as apparently someone with an iPhone doesn’t count and the try was awarded. Mich converted again and the Hammers were 19-12 to the good.

Just like all romcoms the course of true rugby never runs smoothly and the Hammers once more suffered from restartanitis (this is an actual medical thing, just ask the baby doctors). The Hammers turned over field position to Beckenham and they spent the next 5 minutes camped in our 22 and dare I say it on our 5 metre line. However, where before we may have crumbled this time the Hammers stood tall repelling wave after wave of attack, keeping organised and pressing. This pressure ultimately led to a fumble from Beckenham and a loose ball. We were able to regather and punt the ball 40 metres down the pitch. The vicious circle had been broken and the Hammers were then able to spend the remaining 20 minutes holed up in Beckenham’s half of the pitch. Whilst we enjoyed all the possession and territory Beckenham, the wind and our hands continued to frustrate our attempts to add to our tally. Their tackling was brave and they really put their bodies/faces on the line (nod to Ella for helping the opposition out with their various injuries and bleeding). With 10 minutes to go it looked like the win was on if not secure but the try bonus point would remain elusive or so Mark thought…. In a plot twist worthy of M. Night Shyamalanamalana (genuinely how is name is spelt) and predicted by the better coach (Caroline) we were able to score the two tried needed. One went to Younger Collings who burrowed over the line after repeated thrusts from the forwards. We will claim that the tears shed were tears of joy. This was unconverted and the score was 24-12. The final try officially now known as a “Bukky bonus” came from some initial great work from Leah, Fanny and others down the blindside who managed to break through the Beckenham ranks for Onora (returning after an AFL inspired hiatus) to come within a whisker of scoring bar a last ditch tackle from Beckenham. On the resulting throw in on the 5 metre line Beckenham suffered what is commonly known as a “brain fart” and attempted to run the ball from behind their try line only to get held up in a maul. Bukky, after a bit of persuasion from her team, decided the polite thing to do was rip the ball from their hands and dive over from 1 metre out. Again unconverted but the game was won, the bonus point secure and Beckenham had lost their losing bonus point. Awks. Final score 29-12.

There were a lot of great performances during the game but we can’t afford to give everyone a pint, we aren’t made of money. So forward of the match went to Fred who carried like a Trojan, never stopped working and was instrumental in ensuring the Hammers won clean ball at the lineouts. Back of the match went to Victoire who stayed up past her bedtime with a dominant and bossy display at 9, marshalling the backs and forwards and showing tremendous bravery in defence. Katherine also was presented with her belated debutant pint, which she downed like a pro.

A huge well done to the players for putting it all out there and for making the coaches smile. Thank you to our glorious supporters and captain/physio Ella who cheered us on and had to compete with a boisterous home crowd. Also, a thank you to Baggers who reminded us all why one should never take on the Russians.

And finally you can’t have a romcom without some life lessons so here goes:

  1. Beckenham is not 20 minutes drive from Wandsworth
  2. Every team in the league this year is utterly beatable
  3. The unbeaten(ish) season will continue but only if we get ourselves down to training and make ourselves available on game day
  4. We’ve been saying Bukky’s name wrong all season. It’s pronounced Victoria
  5. Someone should make a rugby romcom, I’d watch that

 

Hammers Ladies 1st XV v Windsor Dames – Match Report

This is starting to be a bit cliche, but once again, perfect Sunday for rugby as the sun was out, temperature was high, castle was in position and Liz was waving from her window. Quite a different squad of Hammers walked on that pitch of Windsor, ready however to play that game of rugby with all the heart it needed. 
 
But what a start from Windsor. Right from the start they showed us this will not be an easy game and that they wanted that win. We just had to show to them we wanted it more. Under a lot of pressure, we lost the couple into contact, and Windsor managed to get the first points down after a try off a line out. 5-0. 
 

Posted by Hammersmith & Fulham RFC on Wednesday, 18 October 2017

 

It wasn’t long however until the Hammers were back in the race. With some very casual stepping from our number 10 Leaaaaah. Try under the post, Sophie T decided to put her kicking boots on and got the conversion. 7-5. Right from the re start we put a lot of energy, with some energic running, pick and go and line breaks. Maybe a bit too much energy left here, and we let Windsor go through to score their second try. 12-7. 
 
That second half will give the Hammers a bit more time and space to go back to what we do (and enjoy) best: scoring tries. An absolute storming Bukky took the ball at pace, willing to stop only when she’s under the posts. Shit Sophie was on fire, and conversion was in. 14-12. We were back in the game. 
 
Pace and intensity sent up on those last 20min, and it was all to our advantage. Some great back play, clap clap, and defence, special mention to our favourite flanker / oops fullback for a try-saving tackle. We continued to work our way up, and Katherine got her try after some very speedy running. Converted by Sophie, 21-12. Leah decided it was try time again, and managed to go over that line once again, bringing the score to 26-12. Missed conversion, I would simply quote “No conversion, Shit Sophie is back” (cc Ella). Last try of that game was a beautiful example of what we are able to achieve all together, as the ball went through almost every set of hands before finishing into Fanny’s hands. Obviously relieved of the burden to live under a fake name, she ran as free as the wind onto that try line. Final score 31-12. Boom boom.  

Posted by Hammersmith & Fulham RFC on Wednesday, 18 October 2017

 

 
On the drinking side of things, again, so many pints it requires a couple bullet points (NB: All our pints were offered by Windsor, thought it was worth mentioning it) 
– Welcome to Olivia, Natacha, Victoria, Aleena and Vanessa. Once a Hammers…
– Back of the match went to our fav Katherine, for some unbelievable speed, amazing abilities to play every position at the backs (thanks!) and some cracking tackle along the way. 
– Forward of the match went to your devoted CFL, because apparently I’m crazy and I’m French. Some ooosh may be involved as well. 

Hammers Ladies 1st XV v Romford & Gidea – Match Report

Second home game of the season. Five days after our squad meeting where we decided that for the rest of the season we will be unbeaten. The scene was set, all protagonists were in place as 18 Hammers walked down on Hurlingham park under a very unlikely hot October English weather.
And what a start. Just a couple runs, one won line-out and the first try was in. 5-0. Those first ten minutes were a cracking start, as we managed to stick to our game plan and make those girls run. Backs were on fire, kick from Kelly, followed by Michelle, offloading to Nina offloading back to Mich. Can that move becomes a Hammers classic, please? Conversion on and the score was already 12-0.

Posted by Hammersmith & Fulham RFC on Monday, 9 October 2017

Starting to think about the hat trick record she could set within the Hammers, Michelle took the ball and decided to go for that tryline. 19-0 ; one more to go.
After a huge effort put in the scrum, Romford managed to get their one and only try for the day, 19-5.
GIRLS FIGHT MOMENT – Wait, not really, the ref stopped all the fun. Let’s just say their number 8 did not enjoy our crawling defence in the mauls. We definitely did not let that get to our mind and after a couple minutes, we managed to get a line out following a penalty on their 5m, thanks to the amazing boot of Kelly. And that’s when Michelle hit hat trick time, casually slaloming around Romford players. 26-5 after conversion.
The second half started with a more determined Romford side, and we struggled a bit more to play a “heads up” rugby and tend to forget our strength: we can run, they can’t. However, our forwards demonstrated that weight is not the only asset a pack should have. After some severe mauling and a couple balls stole in the scrum, it’s not hard to say that we mastered this area of the game as well. During those first twenty minutes, the ball was mostly in Romford’s hands. It was time for us to defend a bit, and what a défense girls. That’s what I like to call defensive pressure, Frem would have been proud of our aggressivity.
Anyway, backs were getting a bit bored so decided to get that game started again. After a missed attempt to get a line out after a penalty, Romford kicked straight in Katherine’s arms. Amazing hands from the backs, all the way to our favourite winger (that’s because she can also second row) John who got her second try of the day. 31-5.

Posted by Hammersmith & Fulham RFC on Monday, 9 October 2017

Tactical change then saw Sophie B rejoining the backs, sad face from me. 16min left, and we wanted more, bonus point objective in mind, and going over that 50pts. Mission accomplished by Michelle who got two more, Katherine and Bukky. 55-5 final score.
Special mention to our super trouper Ayala, who left us somewhere around the 60th minute I think. You’ve been an absolute soldier through the pain and ambulance and ant delirium. Gas and air is life. All the best from all of us for the rehab. Much love. Thanks to all the doc girls that stayed with her as well.
  • Forward of the match went to Bukky for being literally everywhere, rucks and mauls but offering some great options at all time as well.
  • Back of the match went to Michelle because well, with five tries and five conversions, what else can we say? Amazing game.
  • Welcome to Jess and Charlotte for their first game with the Hammers! And happy birthday again to Victoire.
  • That was Nina’s last game with the Hammers. Farewell mate, you will be truly missed. Come back. Please.

 

55 – 5 win for the Ladies!

Posted by Hammersmith & Fulham RFC on Monday, 9 October 2017

 

Hammers 1s v Rochford – Match Report

Hammers vs Rochford

The return of cup rugby called on the sun to come out over the hallowed turf of Hurlingham Park for what looked a tough fixture for the Hammers on paper, particularly given recent results from both sides.

After another great performance but tough result away from home to Nigerians last week, the Hammers were as keen as ever to get a win especially with the long-awaited return of James Smart to the starting line-up.

The Hammers came out pumped in the first 10, putting their strong runners to use and stuck Rochford on the back foot in their own half. A few changes in possession and some good defensive pressure from the home side led to Rochford making handling errors early doors, and handed possession back to Hammers pack on a number of occasions.

After a string of strong phase play, a quick switch of play led to debutant Jack Hooper with one man to beat in the corner. A quick step inside his opposite man was enough to allow a glamorous dive over the line for the cameras. 2 post-match pints please for debut try scorer… 5-0 Hammers.

The remainder of the first half consisted of strong defensive play from both sides, each exchanging big hits on every possible occasion including one particularly big (offside) hit on Hammers lock Ryan Thomson… thoughts on whether or not he remembers that one this morning?

Soon after, Rochford struck back with some good footwork and support lines in the backs, bringing the game back level.

It was clear to see the game was open for the backs to play round the flanks and a great chip over the top from Jack Hooper towards the try line saw the Hammers forwards secure a turnover ball 5 metres out from the line. No try on this occasion.

Second half started well once again for the hammers with flanker Magnus making a clever dart through the middle of an open ruck to create some forward momentum. A string of offloads and fantastic support lines from fellow gingers Hooper and Hamish ended up with the man who started the move, Magnus, finishing in style over the white wash bringing the hammers back level and into the game.

The latter stages of the second half saw Rochford take control and put more points on the board. Some great individual efforts from the Rochford 15 left the home team facing another defeat but certainly with some positives against a very well structured team.

Next week the Hammers are expecting nothing but a win on home turf in the league against Enfield, and will be looking to start a run of W’s going into the Christmas period.

FT: Hammers 18, Rochford 48

Hammers 2s v Bishops Stortford – Match Report

Hammersmith & Fulham 2nds     vs.   Bishops Stortford 3rds (Mitres) – 07.10.17

On Saturday Hammersmith & Fulham 2s travelled up to Bishops Stortford, a team that had won 1 out of their 2 previous league games.  The Hammers needed to get the blood pumping quickly having arrived just 30 minutes before kick-off and having spent over 1.5 hrs on the bus (or an overnight flight for some). Despite this, the Hammers did switch on quickly and had a resilient defence for the first 15 minutes as Bishops Stortford applied strong and persistent pressure by retaining possession and staying in the Hammers’ half. After a few unforced ‘butter-fingers’ handling moments by the Hammers, Bishops Stortford broke through, flooded the gap, and quickly ran a second phase of play which resulted in a try being scored in the corner, 5-0.

Bishops Stortford quickly capitalised on the momentum that their first try had given them with some large units making strong carries and yards being gained around the rucks and in the centres despite an organised Hammers defence. About 20 minutes in Bishops Stortford crossed the line in the centres after a set-piece play and 2 phases, 10-0. The Hammers wanted to hit back badly but were denied possession from the kick off and, the same Bishops Stortford player crossed the line, 17-0.

Despite the Bishops Stortford pack dominating the scrum there were some great pick-ups under pressure by Hammers’ 8, Johnson, and service to the backs by 9, Leith. The Hammers knew it was critical to get points on the board before half time in order to stay in the game. The Hammers pack managed to slow down the pace and won a turn over. Looking to capitalise on this the Hammers built the phases and won a penalty which was kicked into the corner for a lineout to put the Hammers 5m from the Bishops Stortford line. A strongly contested but well-controlled lineout catch and drive by the forwards saw the Hammers cross the line. The try scorer? Jack Hooper – winger! Conversion by Morrow, 22-7. Just before half-time Bishops Stortford managed to cement their lead and hit back before half time after catching the Hammers on the back foot, 27-7.

Hammersmith and Fulham started the second half the better side and set out to play their style of rugby. Hammers’ centres, Bowen & Hall, tested Bishops Stortford’s tackling and managed to make good yards on several occasions with Hall preferring the most direct route – over the top of the tackler and legs pumping. The 8-9-10 link for Fulham worked well and yards were made against the opposition 10 channel as well, as advised by coach Riki at half-time. Around the 60 minute mark the opposition seized upon a 50:50 penalty decision and Bishops Stortford kicked for the corner. Bishops Stortford put on a solid drive from 10m out and a controlled maul turned the penalty decision into points, 32-7. With the opposition looking to close the game out they kicked for territory but the Hammersmith & Fulham back 3 worked together well and countered effectively in more broken play. Bishops Stortford crashed over the line with a pick-and-go after a length of the pitch counter, 37-7.

The Hammers look forward to the rematch against Bishops Stortford later in the season, and also to having significantly less muscle cramp. The bus trip debutants survived, just.

Final Score: 39-7

MOM: Chris Hall – who embodied ‘run it straight bro’

Tin Man: Rogan – SNAFU on the kit front

Hammers Ladies 1s v Old Albanians – Match Report

Perfect rugby weather and the first fun bus of the season saw 17 sterling Hammerettes travel away to OAs for our first meeting of the season. The atmosphere was calm despite lack of numbers, injuries and the task that awaited us.

2.45pm saw us go into battle with Mark’s secret squirrel game plan (read slow the game down at every opportunity in whatever manner to conserve energy). The first 20 minutes was hard fought with big hits and runs coming in from both sides. OAs, keen to win the league this season, tested us again and again. I think they’d hoped it would be an easy match as we had tried to rearrange the fixture due to injury and lack of numbers. However, in true hammers style we proved them wrong. Some great handling from them though saw the first try and conversion of the match. Another 20 minutes of battling saw them score again and be awarded a yellow card for dodgy handling in the rucks, but also gave us what we deserved, our first try and conversion from Michelle just before half time. 14-7.

The second half brought more of the same. OAs had started to panic however as the easy game they had thought would happen did not materialise. They tried to bring on the big gun (international player) but apart from her handoff technique she could not break through our defensive line.

It was quite stop start with the number of (cough) injuries. We really do need a code word so I don’t have a heart attack on the pitch. Again some beautiful handing from OAs brought them their 3rd try of the game. Our heads did not drop and our solid unit prevented them from scoring again and getting a bonus point. Final score 21-7.

I would like to point out here that the forwards were formidable, all the hard training has paid off in beautifully executed mauls and scrum turnovers. I would like to thank them for letting me into the pack in order to conserve my leg, it was a lot of fun! 

Forward of the match went to Hannah for her Amazonian runs and big hits consistently throughout the match on a dodgy ankle.

Back of the match went to Sophie T playing at fly half for her defensive work and kicking skills that saw many an OA attack thwarted.

Special pint went to our beautiful Becki who played her last match for the Hammers or so she thinks! She is leaving us to work for her other passion in life. We will miss her greatly but once a Hammer always a Hammer and she will always be welcome.

Special thanks go to Alison for running touch, Aleena on her first Hammers outing for being water girl and assistant Physio, HP for giving up NFL tickets and her battle with SEtrains, Annabel for her versatility in playing forward then back then forward then back, Marion for her 100% commitment to the team despite injury and her hugs, Helene for stepping in and speaking at the end when I was a blubbering mess, Bhomdat and Andy for their consistent support and supply of port, Frenchie for stepping in like a warrior to help with numbers despite her retirement, Arienne and Will, the Collings clan, Annabel’s parents for coming along to support, and as always, Mark for believing in what we are capable of and can achieve.

Sorry about the Oscars speech but a lot goes unnoticed and we would not be the hammers without them. Apologies if I have forgotten anyone. I am so proud of our efforts on the pitch and proud to be part of the hammers team.

Hammers Ladies 1s v Old Albanians – Match Report

Perfect rugby weather and the first fun bus of the season saw 17 sterling Hammerettes travel away to OAs for our first meeting of the season. The atmosphere was calm despite lack of numbers, injuries and the task that awaited us.

2.45pm saw us go into battle with Mark’s secret squirrel game plan (read slow the game down at every opportunity in whatever manner to conserve energy). The first 20 minutes was hard fought with big hits and runs coming in from both sides. OAs, keen to win the league this season, tested us again and again. I think they’d hoped it would be an easy match as we had tried to rearrange the fixture due to injury and lack of numbers. However, in true hammers style we proved them wrong. Some great handling from them though saw the first try and conversion of the match. Another 20 minutes of battling saw them score again and be awarded a yellow card for dodgy handling in the rucks, but also gave us what we deserved, our first try and conversion from Michelle just before half time. 14-7.

The second half brought more of the same. OAs had started to panic however as the easy game they had thought would happen did not materialise. They tried to bring on the big gun (international player) but apart from her handoff technique she could not break through our defensive line.

It was quite stop start with the number of (cough) injuries. We really do need a code word so I don’t have a heart attack on the pitch. Again some beautiful handing from OAs brought them their 3rd try of the game. Our heads did not drop and our solid unit prevented them from scoring again and getting a bonus point. Final score 21-7.

I would like to point out here that the forwards were formidable, all the hard training has paid off in beautifully executed mauls and scrum turnovers. I would like to thank them for letting me into the pack in order to conserve my leg, it was a lot of fun! 

Forward of the match went to Hannah for her Amazonian runs and big hits consistently throughout the match on a dodgy ankle.

Back of the match went to Sophie T playing at fly half for her defensive work and kicking skills that saw many an OA attack thwarted.

Special pint went to our beautiful Becki who played her last match for the Hammers or so she thinks! She is leaving us to work for her other passion in life. We will miss her greatly but once a Hammer always a Hammer and she will always be welcome.

Special thanks go to Alison for running touch, Aleena on her first Hammers outing for being water girl and assistant Physio, HP for giving up NFL tickets and her battle with SEtrains, Annabel for her versatility in playing forward then back then forward then back, Marion for her 100% commitment to the team despite injury and her hugs, Helene for stepping in and speaking at the end when I was a blubbering mess, Bhomdat and Andy for their consistent support and supply of port, Frenchie for stepping in like a warrior to help with numbers despite her retirement, Arienne and Will, the Collings clan, Annabel’s parents for coming along to support, and as always, Mark for believing in what we are capable of and can achieve.

Sorry about the Oscars speech but a lot goes unnoticed and we would not be the hammers without them. Apologies if I have forgotten anyone. I am so proud of our efforts on the pitch and proud to be part of the hammers team.