A poor start leaves the Hammers a hill to climb

A warmer than expected mid-October day saw the Hammers take on their latest opposition in Tunbridge Wells, a team who had started the season well. With the sun shining down at Hurlingham, and anticipation was building in the hope for our first league win.

Kick off saw a pressure filled chase with the Hammers hunting their first collision. The desire to get off the line and make an impact early on was halted quickly, with our ever impressing lumberjack 7 giving away a high tackle with his first shot. A well executed lineout, some quick hands in the backs, and a good kick in behind caught the hammers cold. 7 points down after just a minute gone.

Eager to put their poor start behind them, the hammers regained possession in Tunbridge’s half, looking to build a strong attacking platform. Silly errors saw Wells turn the ball over and score a break away try. 14-0. 21-0 and then 28-0. The Hammers desperately needed t respond and gain a foothold in the game.

Finally, some possession. All 8 of the Hammers pack, aggressively working round the corner and calmly holding the ball, gave the back line their first opportunity to cause some havoc. On his 100th appearance for the club, Joe C delayed the pass perfectly allowing Jake Paul aka The Pound Shop Ibiza Boss to break the line and score. 28-7.

This momentum shift was huge, and the Hammers were hungry for more. Again, the pack stayed in the fight at maul time, and a well ‘engaged’ rumble allowed hooker Dan H over the line. 28-14. A come back on?

The first half ended 35-14 after The Hammers were caught napping down the blindside of the scrum in their 22. Despite slow start costing them early points, they remained very much alive in the fight.

The second half saw more of the same. Hammersmith absorbing lots of pressure on their own line, building pressure up the pitch, but silly mistakes costing them chances to make a dent to the scoreboard. Karma really does exist, Marshall suffering a harsh yellow card, serving him right for publicly mugging me off mid week on the group chat. HA. 😉

A classic Tim Russell counter attack was finished off, giving the Hammersmith fans and players the hunger to chase for a bonus point.

Another strong mauling effort from the Hammers pack saw our skipper crash over giving the boys a much needed and deserved try bonus point.

I think it’s fair to say there was a huge step forward in attacking presence, patience on the ball, and desire to stay in the fight for the full 80. Things are genuinely coming together, week by week, session by session, and this is reflected in the recent performances. Heading into this weekend, there should be much excitement building in this group, with 2, hopefully 3 massive fixtures.

Of course shout out to Dan & Emily on their engagement this week, and to Joe for 100 up for the club – massive congratulations to both on behalf of everyone at Hammersmith and Fulham.

#COMYH