Hammers 2s Grind Out Gritty Win Against Barnes 3s

The Hammers 2s rolled into Barnes just after midday to be greeted by Arctic temperatures and what can only be described as a goose sanctuary masquerading as a rugby pitch. The surface was absolutely littered with goose droppings, making footing questionable and dignity optional. If the conditions weren’t enough of a warning, the warm-up certainly was. Our staple “Saracens” move – refined over the past six months – failed to fire once. Confidence was high… for Barnes.

However, once the whistle blew, the Hammers finally decided to play some rugby. Despite the narrow pitch, the backs put on a clinic of slick, expansive rugby. Chris Thompson was at his devastating best, carving holes in the defensive line all afternoon and creating multiple scoring opportunities with trademark running lines. Alongside him, the returning Eoin Baker made an immediate impact after a year on the sidelines, bringing calm heads, sharp feet, and plenty of punch back into the midfield. It was a centre partnership that would cause headaches in most leagues – and Barnes were no exception.

The forward effort laid solid foundations despite a few frustrating moments at the breakdown. While ruck retention wasn’t always textbook, the pack showed grit, winning key turnovers and providing quick ball when it mattered. Special mention goes to Geoff Mahon, who produced a stunning 50:22 that flipped momentum and territory in classic fashion. Unfortunately, this seemed to unlock a new confidence in the boot, leading to several ambitious follow-ups that didn’t quite hit the same heights – but we’ll forgive him for the original beauty.

Leadership was also on full display with Jack MacGregor returning from a broken hand and immediately stamping his authority on the side. His presence brought structure, direction, and composure, helping guide the Hammers through key phases and keeping heads focused when things got scrappy. His return has already paid dividends, with the second team looking sharper and more organised as a result.

After racing into a five-try lead, the Hammers unfortunately did what many proud rugby teams before them have done — switched off. A mix of complacency, loose discipline, and defensive lapses allowed Barnes back into the contest, turning what should have been a comfortable afternoon into a tense final stretch. It wouldn’t be a proper Hammers match without a bit of unnecessary drama.

Adding to the whirlwind, Max Dugdale, brought full-throttle intensity to the pitch. Passion was high, tackles were flying, and emotions occasionally boiled over – but it summed up the competitive edge and fire that kept the Hammers in control when the pressure mounted.

Despite the late wobble, the Hammers held firm, closing out the game with a narrow but well-earned victory. It may not have been perfect, it certainly wasn’t pretty at times, but it was a huge bounce-back performance after the Christmas break.

Cold, muddy, goose-infested – none of it mattered in the end. A win on the road, big performances across the park, and plenty to build on. The Hammers are back, baby.