Men’s Match Reports – Page 2 – Hammersmith & Fulham RFC

Chilly day yields a warm result for the 3s.

23rd January 2026/in Men's Match Reports, Senior News

The Hammers 3s dusted off the festive rust on a chilly January afternoon and got straight back to business, gearing up for a tough day at the office with cold hands, heavy legs and the usual uncertainty that comes with the first game post Christmas chops.

The boys welcomed their opposition for what would become a performance brimming with grit, flair and a yearning for points.

Early exchanges were cagey, with both packs scrapping for front-foot ball. But once the Hammers got into their stride, the tries started to flow like a nice vintage.   A sloppy spill of the ball from Hampstead lead to a nice breakaway down the left wing at which time Charlie Hay appeared from the bushes to get on the end of it to lock down some points nicely and get the scoresheet started. Hampstead didn’t take anything lying down this game and fought back to gain some tries in the corners. Their kicker taking the full 90s every time to slot absolutely nunza; a recurring theme of the day fortunately for us.

With the game starting to descend into a scrappy nightmare the boys found themselves having conceded 4 edge of the field tries and looking for a way back in when none other than Cameron Roberts steps up to the mark with a penalty advantage and a good 7 scoring opportunities at his disposal. There’s out of the box thinking and there’s whatever happened here, with overlaps on just about 3 sides Cam puts boot to ball and luckily Brandon Leschert manages to attach himself to the end of it securing our first try of the day.   As the structure started to return to the field the boys started making use of the overlaps and space gaining traction up the field. This culminated very nicely with an edge field play getting up to the Hampstead 22. The ball making its way nicely along the line to fall fatefully into the hands of Dan Hogg who finished it off in the corner.

The boys starting to take control of the game now and getting some good front foot ball thanks for some class performances in the forwards the game was looking hopeful. The forwards then decided to not only help us get a foothold in the game but also get a taste the fruits of their labour. First clocking in was the Italian Stallion Valerio Marcantognini, the man of few words and even fewer mistakes. If any man that day claims to have seen what happened they’re lying. He appeared out of a mist with the ball just inside the opposition 22 and trundled his way over the try line.   In a fitting turn of events Rob Harris gained some rewards for his consistent hard work on and off the field, making his weekly highlight unrelated to Pitchero was a nice touch. Dotting over from a whopping 2 metres out left the boys speechless.

Having kept the opposition out for the whole second half we entered the final countdown. the boys took a momentary foot off the gas to let in a unfortunate breakaway try not long before the close.  The game now sat with a try in it – Kieran Smith steps up to the plate for a very efficient: tackle, thieve and score combination, a real blink and you’ll miss it moment.

With the 3’s now in command, Kieran stayed consistent to add the extra points with the boot — sinking his classy third conversions to give the scoreboard a satisfying glow. It cannot be ignored how village it is having your no 8 kicking conversions…but if there’s grass on the pitch play ball.

In a game filled with big hits and big heart, one performance stood above the rest. Man of the Match went to Jonty Callaway — a man who, legend has it, sacrificed a family lunch to pull on the famous shirt. It’s this level of commitment that embodies what our club is all about.

A special mention too for Joe Hennigan, who bravely attempted to warm up before the game only to suffer a dislocated knee – so wish you all the best with recovery mate x, The pre game team talk was enough to inspire the masses to battle so your role as war commander was complete.

Hammers run out of time against CS Stags

14th January 2026/in Men's Match Reports, Senior News

Dearest Gentle Reader,

The social season has resumed in most spirited fashion upon the fields of Hurlingham, where the gallant gentlemen of the Hammers took to the turf for their first engagement since the festive interlude. Their adversaries? None other than local rivals of considerable reputation — the formidable CS Stags. Though the chill of winter clung stubbornly to the air, the atmosphere was positively electric, promising an afternoon of high drama and vigorous endeavour.

With a brisk wind swirling, the Hammers kicked proceedings into motion. The dashing Tim, leaping like a man possessed, reclaimed the airborne ball and set the tone for early dominance. What followed was a flurry of confident carries and elegant exchanges between the men in red, yet the Stags’ defensive line remained as unyielding as the stone walls of a Mayfair estate. Even when positioned favourably within striking distance, the Hammers’ ambitions were thwarted by the cruel hands of fate — a mislaid pass here, a knock-on there — leaving the score unmoved.

As the first quarter elapsed without reward, the Stags at last found their rhythm. Sustained pressure deep within Hammers territory brought the first breach of the afternoon — a try most unwelcome. The scoreboard stood at 0–7, though none doubted the Hammers’ resolve.

A spirited exchange of kicks ensued, likened by some to a duel of gentlemen seeking position. From one such rally emerged another chance for the Stags, who, after many phases of patient build-up, crossed once more. The conversion went astray, leaving the margin 0–12.

But just as the onlookers began to despair, a spark was reignited. A loose Stags kick became the opportunity of the hour. Joe Carolan — ever astute — secured a turnover before combining brilliantly with the fleet-footed Tim Russell. The pair advanced with heedless abandon, their interplay as graceful as any waltz at Governor’s Ball. When Joe fell to ground, he swiftly delivered the ball to a thunderous figure — the indomitable Tom Proctor — who, upon realising naught but open field lay before him, charged for the line with admirable determination. With a few artful feints in Josh’s direction (for style, one presumes), he dotted down beneath the posts. Carolan’s conversion was true: 7–12, and the half concluded with hearts restored to hope.

The commencement of the second half, however, was less fortuitous. The Stags began with purpose, their number ten slicing through the defence with surgical precision to set up another score — 7–17, and a hush fell across the Hurlingham faithful.

Yet the Hammers are not easily subdued. Their response came swiftly — fierce carries, deft handling, and a scrum so utterly dominant it might have inspired poetry. The Stags’ front row, grievously undone by their own misdemeanour (the precise nature of which remains a mystery to all but those within the front-row fraternity), were duly penalised. Mr. Carolan stepped forth once more, his boot impeccable: 10–17.
The Stags, however, were far from idle and soon exacted their reply from a well-executed drive at the line. The numbers shifted again — 10–24 — and time began to press.

With twenty-five minutes remaining, the Hammers summoned that most noble of qualities: perseverance. A superb penalty from Ben placed them deep within enemy territory. The stalwarts Josh and Ian drove the team inexorably closer, though the Stags’ disruption at the ruck thwarted what promised to be a fine score. Yet the murmurs in the crowd betrayed rising admiration — the fight was far from over.

Moments later, that conviction bore fruit. A speculative Stags clearance was collected by the ever-alert Bryce, who deftly found Marshall in support. What followed might be spoken of for seasons to come: Marshall embarked upon a serpentine run, evading defenders (and, it is rumoured, a referee and physio as well), before delivering a pass flatter than propriety might allow to Joe, who unselfishly set up Tim for Hammers’ second try of the afternoon. The conversion eluded them, but the scoreline brightened: 15–24.

The closing passages were a testament to endurance, both physical and emotional. The Hammers pressed forward yet again, their forwards battering the gates of the Stags’ line. A quick-tap penalty from the ever-cunning Marshall reignited their attack, and soon Ian — finding a rare fissure in the wall before him — barged through with all the elegance one might expect from a man unsuited to subtlety. 20–24.

Time, alas, proved the villain of this tale. Though a victory slipped just beyond reach, the Hammers departed the field with pride intact and a valuable bonus point secured — a small gem in their crown as the season progresses.

Final Score: Hammers 20 – CS Stags 24.

Hammers 2s Grind Out Gritty Win Against Barnes 3s

14th January 2026/in Men's Match Reports, Senior News

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.

December blues hit the Hammers 2s

14th December 2025/in Men's Match Reports, Senior News

Having lost to Wimbledon, the 2s were keen to restore their pride through victory over league leaders Worthing. Upon arrival, the scene was set. The weather was miserable, the pitch was puddly, and the air smelt like a top-of-the-table match of rugby.

The 2s kicked off, and within a couple of heavy breaths conceded their first penalty of the game. This would be the opening act in a storied sequence of day-defining ill-discipline. By the 80^th minute, few would have seen such volumes of pens given so cheaply since Woolworths entered administration.

Keen to make amends, the 2s gritty defense drove Worthing from 22 to 10 metre line – where Hammersmith and Fulham’s sustained collective line speed forced a handling error from the hosts. For the next 20 minutes, an enthralling end-to-end battle ensued with both sides hungry to score first. Scrum times proved arduous for the visitors, whose shorter studs could’ve been mistaken for bowling shoes on the squelchy pastures of West Sussex. Halfway through the first half, the ******** won a mid-pitch lineout where some neat footwork and oddly respectable footballing skills saw flyhalf Ted Shandy kick and collect deep in Worthing’s 22. Two phases later he kicked the ball once more for skipper Tom Hughes to dot down. This was premier ******** rugby – unrelenting defensive doggedness combined with clinical offensive finishing. Magnifique.

The arm-wrestle continued, building with intensity until Worthing eventually converted their prolonged offensive pressure, capitalising from a 5m scrum. The 2s restarted – kicking the ball at Worthing’s inconspicuous lock who enjoyed a 20-yard gallop before hoofing a supernatural 50-22. Worthing won the lineout and secured a scrappy second score from a sloppy strike move that saw handling errors rectified by fly-hacks in a thoroughly underwhelming passage of rugby.

Irked and determined, the 2s were intent on righting their wrongs. Sustained offensive pressure saw Hammersmith and Fulham back on Worthing’s 5m line. The ******* 2s drew closer to parity with every carry, finally spinning the ball out wide until, Worthing intercepted. Although the Worthing player successfully ran it in, credit must be awarded to Naan for hounding after him the entire way.

The second half commenced, and the ******** found themselves camped in their own half for an undesirably extended duration. Hammersmith and Fulham commendably defended two 5m scrums, before a pair of opposition props broke through for Worthing’s fourth score. For anyone who’s cooked doughballs too close together, this was a similar case of lumps connecting frustratingly well.

The next 15 minutes saw a close contest unfold. In one notable passage, Hammers reclaimed possession in their 22, before thumping the ball downfield. Backs Tom Hughes and Dan Hogg hared after the receiver and good defensive pressure pinned Worthing near their tryline. The *******’s regained possession in a moment of swiftness, as Lucas Sopher’s pirouetting rip dispossessing an accelerating ball carrier. Anushan briskly passed to Ted who cut through for the *******’s second.

Now only two tries down with 20 minutes left, the *******’s hopes still flickered. However, a grueling 10-minute spell followed, that saw Hammersmith &Fulham battling to escape their own half. The pressure intensified when Worthing’s center broke the line, and shortly after the hosts had their fifth.

In the game’s dying embers, the *******’s famous resolve willed them on for a third and final score. Having won a penalty just beyond halfway, the ******** found touch inside Worthing’s 22. Another slick Dan Perry lineout was followed by an incisive final strike where Kristian Thompson casually broke four tackles to go under the posts.

Man of the Match – Tom Hughes

Final score 31-19.

2s can’t sustain strong start

1st December 2025/in Men's Match Reports, Senior News

Hammersmith and Fulham men’s 2nd XV travelled to Wimbledon on the back of a run of very impressive victories over some tough opposition.

The ‘Hammers’ as they are colloquially known by their friends and supporters, (which, to be clear, Hammersmith and Fulham council are not one of, and neither are the rich, privileged and arrogant residents that try to rule over Hurlingham park as if serfdom still existed) were looking to avenge several defeats inflicted upon them by Wimbledon 2nd XV last year.

‘Twas a miserable day, blustery wind and spatters of rain, but for the men in red, men of the soil, men who represent good, honest, decent and hardworking people, this barely registered as a factor in their mentality.

The first bit of good news was that Wimbledon had kindly allotted the game to be played on a flat pitch. This is worth mentioning, because, as you can no doubt have guessed, the usual 2nd XV pitch is on a slope, (2025 anyone?). The bad news was that this pitch was beside a small metal chain link fence abutting a patch of scrubland, (more on this later).

The warm up was good, the Hammers bench was stacked with their own Pom squad, Daniel Perry, Will Keyte and Luke Wilson, all adding weight and gravitas off the bench not to mention a debut to boot (Finn McCarthy – snorts haggis).

After sizing up the oppo who were representing Wimbledon 2nd XV, the men of south west London’s hardest borough were seriously fancying inflicting some hurt.

And so the first 20 minutes or so proved, with Chris Thompson setting the tone with a great interception and streaking clear, only to be narrowly hauled down before the try line. However, this led to great Hammers field position, with some great carrying from the forwards, (too many to name an individual, they all did a great job), with Dan Hindle being put over but unfortunately the referee, looking like a cross between an orc and a goblin, muttered a spell which caused Mr. Hindle to drop the ball.

It did not much matter as the puny ‘dons kicked the ball back and after some nice phase play from the big boys up front Henry Cowls (Dawg) went over, like a panzer in the Ardennes, for the first Hammers try. Ollie Weaver (I actually don’t know if he’s posh or working class, can someone at the club help me?) added the extras, Hammers up 7-0.

The Hammers then again started to play some good bloody rugger, preparing to give Wimbledon a buggering. Forwards (Dawwgggssss) again showing their worth and bashing their way towards the try line. Chris Thompson went full valleys juicehead mode and shot through a gap in the Wimbledon line and barrelled his way over score. Weaver (we call certain people by their surnames at this club as a sign of endearment) added the extras 14-0. This barrage of points and good play was all in the first 10-15 minutes of the match despite Grishnákh’s* best efforts (if you don’t know that reference, educate yourself). To paraphrase the words of the most learned Hugo Vati, upon the first or second scrum of the day Grishnákh* stated to both teams ‘you are going to learn what a referee with proper discipline is today boys’. Take from that what you will.

The ball was kicked off and after some arm wrestling in the middle of pitch Hammers got hammering and after some good play some slick hands out the back saw Sam Nursey slice over in the corner (three certainties, death, taxes and a Nursey try). Weaver with the conversion 21-0.

The play was restarted but after a minor scuffle the Wimbledon 12 (Gimp) blew his top and was sent to the bin after not being of the disciplined standard Grishnákh* expected.

The Hammers were cruising, but unknown to them, for a bruising. Despite being made up of weed like figures, Wimbledon, like a dogged mangy hound, refused to go away. After some lapse defending, unfortunately Wimbledon scored four tries without reply, their 10 converting each one, to be fair to him.

At half time the Hammers found themselves only just behind, from position of relative strength. Obviously it goes without saying that Grishnákh* had his malign influence on the match, not calling knock-ons, high tackles, generally just blowing his whistle at every opportunity, (probably lives on his own, selling avon). There was also the bizarre issue of the scrubland meaning that every penalty if kicked to that side was not actually kicked, but Grishnákh* decided that it was an automatic 15 metre gain for either side. Not a great pitch.

The second half kicked off, and like Cnut, the Hammers could not turn the tide. Wimbledon scored more tries, as the Hammers became a little ragged. However, anytime there was any physicality involved, the Hammers would dominate. After more tries conceded, the Pom squad was employed and this resulted in Henry Cowls going over from a driving maul again, as, as I said, once it came to physicality, Wimbledon like the French in WW2, surrendered to the Hammers blitzkrieg.

Alas, like the blitzkrieg, the Hammers were finding their supply/defensive lines stretched as they could not maintain the offensive. Wimbledon countered and more damage was done. Hammers fought till the end. Luke Wilson, receiving the ball 15 yards from the line pirouetted passed the first tackler, handed off the second before stepping the onrushing fullback to score to restore some pride in the shirt. I only wrote that for a laugh as Luke sometimes makes me say things with a breadknife (bants).

In reality he carried hard from five yards and scored. To be fair to Grishnákh* he did extend the second half, so after being told 5 minutes left, there were then 16 and so on. Unfortunately the Hammers war machine had exhausted itself and they could muster no more.

Wimbledon won on the day, but in the words of the Wealdstone Raider, they have no ground and no fans.

There were ugly scenes at full time as the Wimbeldon 12 attempted to take his top off (he’s a really great guy) and wrestle Grishnákh*. However this was sadly prevented. Utter Woke nonsense.

Thirsty 3s winning ways continue!

1st December 2025/in Men's Match Reports, Senior News

On a cold November day, the mighty Hammers 3s looked to claim yet another victim. Up stepped Pinner & Grammarians, hoping to be a worthy opponent for this unstoppable force. The Hammers boys rocked up ready to go, baying for more blood, tries, and beers.

The game kicked off and within minutes the Hammers had a turnover. After some slick hands, James McKendry was over for his first of the afternoon. This set the tone for the entire first half: bullying Pinner in defence and ruthless in attack. With a mix of sensual structure and flair the Fijians would be proud of, the tries rolled in – courtesy of Cam Roberts, Kieran Smith, Fergus Cassidy, Mike Willis, and a further two for man-of-the-match McKendry.

A dry first half allowed the boys to play some serious joué. The lads were loving it, the ref was loving it… Pinner, however, were not and were about to make it known. In the dying moments of the half, flair got the better of the 3s. A dropped ball led to a turnover, and a later silly penalty gave the Pinner 9 the opportunity he’d been waiting for: a quick tap-and-go to fly under the sticks. They were on the board and hungry for more.

Half-time brought a much-needed reset. After a speech from Rob McKeon (something about his holiday or his injury – no one’s quite sure), the boys were ready to get stuck in again. But to the joy of the forwards, and the misery of the backs, the heavens opened. A true late-November rugby game was underway: cold, wet, and windy, no place for a 10 wanting to chuck the pill about.

A sluggish start allowed Pinner back into the game (well, we let in one try and were still about 40 points up). Some choice words from vice-captain and man-mountain Joe Hennigan provided the needed spark. On we go.

Despite the rain, the boys still tried to play. Structure was the aim: keep it simple and slice through. With the ball slick, no risks were taken and inspiration taking from Sean Dyche with some classic Brexit football: hoof it up the pitch and pin them in. That is, unless your 10 decides to mis-kick it and slam it straight into Oscar Newcombe’s belly. Cheers mate, didn’t fancy chasing it anyway.

As the weather worsened, the game slowed. The first-half festival of throwing it around felt a distant memory. Crash-ball carries and sending The Naan into battle became the order of the half.

Another win for the 3s both on the pitch and in the sheds, cementing their place as the in-form team in the league. Will anyone stop them? Will James stop scoring? Will Kieran ever let the ball into the back line off a scrum? Who knows. All we do know is that the 3s are marching, and those who face them best be scared.

Final score: 51-21

Hammers 1s rue missed chances

30th November 2025/in Men's Match Reports, Senior News

It was a a fine November day that Hammers returned to Fortress Hurlingham eager to claim some points from league new-comers, London Scottish Lions.

An attritional first half opened with Geoff sending the ball high into the Scottish 22, but a couple of early penalties gave the opposition a chance to kick deep into Hammer’s half. However, proving pressure does not always make diamonds, their 10 got greedy, kicking over the dead ball line. Scrum down hammers. Hammers were asking plenty of questions early on, with Josh and Luke providing some serious go-forward, and Chris cutting through the Scottish line. However, the Hammers were kept out by a series of penalties, pinched line-outs and handling errors. Scottish gained momentum, kicking deep into Hammer’s half, scoring through their second attempt at a maul, 5m out.

Kicking off again, Hammers maintained pressure, building phases. A penalty for a high tackle, put hammers 10m out for a driving maul giving the backs a platform. With Ryan’s calls to “straighten” the backs unleashed a slick move, with Nursey dotting down in the corner. Surprise! Pressure began to mount against Hammers again, despite Joe and Moli having more hits than George Michael, with Hammers’ penalty count keeping them firmly in their half. As the half drew to a close, some scrambling defence by the Dugdales, alongside some aggressive maul defence, saw Scottish held up.

The second half opened with a textbook exit, and more defence, with an innovative triple hit allowing Geoff to strip the ball. Some classy link-up play between Proctor and Josh saw Marshall and Nursey released down the wing, with big Luke held up over the line. Some more promising attacking play, was cut short by handling errors and penalties, seeing Hammers retreating into their half, being punished for an offside with a converted penalty kick. Another Scottish lineout through error, saw leaping Seb tapping the ball back to Zak, with Mr Positive, Rogan, continuing this momentum. Quick hands gave Max an overlap, scoring a try through blistering pace described by spectators as “nearly as quick as his brother”.

Hammers once again exited well through Moli, Rogan and Whittaker. Following some excellent attacking play, a scrum 5m out offered a chance to take the lead, however Hammers failed to capitalise on this as momentum swung back to Scottish. A breakaway try from the Scottish 9 at a scrum increased their lead. As the game came to a close, further error saw Scottish dot down again, this time through a pick and go following a penalty.

Final score Hammers 12 – 34 Scottish, in a frustrating result given 65 minutes of competitive rugby. Despite the result, there were some excellent performances from debutants Chris and Dan Ah Kuoi, and MOTM Nursey and Rogan.

SledgeHammers too strong for Wasps!

21st November 2025/in Men's Match Reports, Senior News

It was round 2 of the Middlesex Vets League and The Sledgehammers reconvened with the intention of securing their first win. It isn’t every day that you face a club with two Heineken Cups to their name and the Wasps clubhouse was a shrine to the days when they were a true powerhouse. Dallaglio, Andrew, Vickery, Probyn, Worsley et al glowered down from the photoframes. But Hammers’ history was being represented on the pitch, with a multi-generation squad that spanned those born in the early ‘90s to those who made their debuts in the early ‘90s.

Captain Ade Furniss spelled out the strategy from the start – get the ball out wide and let the quick lads do their thing. The three-quarter line licked their lips in anticipation. Some of the forwards wondered when they last, if ever, had been described as ‘mobile’?

The game started with a cheeky short kick-off. Wasps won it but Hammers counter-rucked hard. The ball went loose, Hammers regained and went wide immediately. It was fast, it was frantic. Your correspondent was advised from the touchline that 30 seconds in is a bit early to be walking between rucks.

Ed Clark giving direction at half-time, while Tom Hayes realises he should’ve had a salad for lunch.

Efficient ambition paid off in the first twenty minutes. Quick rucks meant Ed Clark was whipping it away early. Si Doherty marshalled his forward runners around him. Sean Richardson’s steady distribution caught the eye of the Middlesex County Super-Vets selectors. The speedsters started to find gaps as James Lo and Chris Reilly pulled defenders left and right. The gaps were there to be exploited and Tony B glided through them and over the tryline twice without a Wasps fingerprint on him. The boys were on the board!

The challenge well and truly laid-down, Wasps needed to respond. And that they did through some direct running and effective kicking. They reduced the deficit with a well-worked lineout and a rolling maul that Hammers got under but couldn’t quite hold up. Fired up by this, their pack started a spell of effective recycling and battling for gainline supremacy against some strong Hammers’ defensive sets. Some of us realised with horror that no-one had told the ref that Vets halves are usually 35 minutes max. A lung-bursting multi-phase period ultimately ended with a pick-and-go that made it over the whitewash for their second try on the stroke of halftime.

Halftime: Wasps 14 – Hammers 12. It was a proper battle. Relief in the eyes of some men as subs were made, panic in the eyes of Tom Hayes as he realised that he was the only hooker available, so lucky he’s so fit…

The momentum swing in the yellow and black direction needed to be addressed. Mid-field phases saw the boys fight their way into the Wasps half, but stout defence frustrated their attempts to get through. Steve Harris – now on for Dohers at 10 – read the Wasps backfield and dropped a perfect kick that beat the Wasps winger and found it’s way to touch. The ball was won messily by Wasps but before they could too much ground to give their 10 space to kick to safety. Julian Draper swooped like a falcon on a fieldmouse to turn the ball over. Hammers’ went open then went blind, inching forwards each time. Larry Furniss took it on the charge but couldn’t quite get through. Another quick ruck and Steve Harris surged into the line and fired a cut-out pass to the unstoppable James Cramp to score/flopped over in the corner.

Riley and Ade post game and very happy with the result

The narrow lead wasn’t enough for comfort and the Hammers Bomb Squad started to flex it’s muscles. Rogan joined the rotation of props while 80-minute and man-of-the-match man Tommy Hayes provided the consistency. The trans-Atlantic scouting policy conducted by Cube paid dividends with big impacts from our American guest stars Norm and Travis. Another rapier thrust out wide by Will North had the defence backpedaling. Alex Stimpson scythed up the wide channel and ran the boys into the Wasps half. A few phases of attack down that channel made holes, and eventually Clarkey’s support play led to try number four and daylight between the sides.

Stings in the tail have to be expected when playing Wasps, but the later stages saw Hammers frustrate attempts at a second comeback. With Hugh Campbell at 8, and Dave Wickman in the engine room – also putting in a respectable 70-odd minutes – contributed to an increasingly dominant scrum. It was an arm wrestle that started to nudge in favour of red and white with driving mauls and good structure. The boys were finding their flair. Each of the nine Vets debutants made their mark as the clock edged towards the 80. There was time for one more score. Hugh Campbell popped a rib back into place, retook the field and definitely didn’t knock on in storming over for the fifth and final try. Final score: Wasps 14 – Hammers 29

There were smiles all round at this first victory, the true highlight of which was seeing so many familiar faces back in the Hammers colours after the club’s hiatus from vets Rugby, ably supported by a sprinkling of of fresher faces. All looked forward to what’s to come.

1s secure bonus point proving they are heading in the right direction

21st November 2025/in Men's Match Reports, Senior News

An unusually hot November day greeted the league leaders Jersey upon arrival at Fortress Hurlingham. Well, it is more of a fort made of couch cushions these last few weeks, but it’s home…

Spirits were high in the 1’s camp after seeing off Camberley in our previous match and watching Nugget’s 2’s dust up Jersey in the sun. 80 mins stood before us and glory.

Jersey kicked off toward our elite training pitches and the king of the north, Dan, leapt high even though he knows nothing. A clean take, a nice jack left, lovely bogey up the touchline by Gregor and we exited well. What was going on?

Their 9, on debut, absolutely fluffed the lineout, a theme that would continue throughout the afternoon for him. It was an honour and a privilege to play in his first and last game at this level. The result gave the Hammers their first chance to attack. A lovely scrum move and silky hands from Geoff and Joe put Max into space. Early signs the boys were on. Gregor and Geoff managed the boys around the park well, making sure we were getting into the right areas with some useful kicking.

Some massive shots by tiny Josh, Whits and Ian let the Jersey boys know it was not going to be a stroll in the park. Jersey then somewhat against the run of play, opened the scoring with a nice lineout move that put their winger through 1 on 1 with Maxy. RIP Max’s ankles, 1998 to 2025.

Hammers earlier in the season would have folded, but with new attitudes this group got back to the job at hand and it paid dividends. Off a lovely lineout maul from a Dan dart, little Josh ran through the legs of 3 Jersey defenders, and they could not bend down to catch him. 7-5 Hammers.

5 minutes later the Hammers were in again after Joey plucked a Jersey pass out of the air. He ran 40m before wisely choosing to pass to Timmy in support, just before the quicksand swallowed him up. 14-7 Hammers.

The Hammers scored again after some in your face defence by Proctor and the Dan’s led to a loose ball that Timmy Russ pounced on with some nice touches that would make Messi proud and ran most of the field to dot down. 19-7 Hammers and the tails were up.

With the first half winding down, Jersey showed their class with some nice shape and strong carries, creating space in the wide channel for their 12 to run through and get one back. With the last play of the half, Jersey won a penalty and kicked to the corner. A strong maul had them in again and levelled things up at 19-19. A strong first half from the Hammers. Stay tuned to see if they could keep it up.

They could not keep it up.

Off the kick-off, the wave of red shirts parted for the Jersey second row to stroll through untouched, Moses would be proud.

Jersey ran in a flurry of tries against a now tiring Hammers defence. With the win out of reach, attention turned to obtaining a BP. Not many achieve that against this Jersey side. Some raids into the Jersey 22 frustratingly didn’t amount to any tries and with the clock winding down the Hammers were getting desperate. Max was sent to the naughty chair for being offside. I personally think the ref felt threatened for the worst on field mullet.

In an eerily frightening piece of foreshadowing (if you are Scottish), it was a blonde, handsome Kiwi 15, that helped rescue the situation. A quick tap from halfway caught Jersey off guard and the old hamstrings started pumping. A fend on their winger which surely has to be a low point in that guy’s career, had the tryline in sight. The cover tacklers dragged him down within a bee’s dick from the line. As usual, the seagull Joe was on hand and flopped over the line to take the credit. Bonus point secured, 3 games in a row now with points for the Hammers!

Congrats to Charlie and Yarwood on debut. Tough game to come into but neither took a backward step. Another shoutout to Poults and Rogan for a heroic effort to go 80 even though injured. The scrum was solid all day given the opposition and Rogan’s 4th and 5th vertebrae being held together by a Rob McKeon hair follicle. Ed and Ben added a nice impact off the bench with both putting in great hits and lifting the energy.

Man of the Match was the king of the north and well deserved. On to Wimbledon next where we will look to serve up a few aces.

2s win the first leg of the of the Duel of the Deuces!

21st November 2025/in Men's Match Reports, Senior News

It was a sunny November Saturday — calm, almost peaceful, despite the epic battle about to unfold.

Captained by Tom Hughes — perhaps the only Welshman currently associated with winning rugby — the Hammers 2nd XV took to the field for what was shaping up to be a brutal contest against Jersey’s travelling side.

From the outset, Hammers established dominance. The defensive line remained unbroken all game — not due to tactical excellence, but because everyone was too terrified of being decapitated by Andrew Camilleri at 15.

To their credit, Jersey fought well throughout, with several strong runners testing the line. But it wasn’t long before Anushan sliced through under the posts for the first try of the afternoon. From that moment, Jersey’s resistance began to fade.

On one kickoff, Nursey charged downfield, launched himself around eight feet into the air, and batted the ball backwards. The ball hit an oppositions hand and flew forward into the hands of Harry Tate, who strolled past shocked defenders to score. It was, by all accounts, an entirely planned and rehearsed move.

Nushy, the well deserved man of the man

Nursey later produced another memorable moment, running the full length of the pitch before deciding that grounding the ball under the posts was simply too much effort, despite the entire team’s encouragement to do so.

A strong carry from Hugo then left defenders scattered across the turf. He followed it up with a desperate offload, muttering a silent prayer as the ball left his hands. His prayer was answered by none other than prop/winger Valerio. Travelling just below terminal velocity, Valerio caught the ball one-handed, winked, and thundered through to score in the corner.

The final score came from a dominant Hammers scrum, which rumbled over the line with serious force.

Sensing what was to come, Jersey called the match five minutes early — reportedly to watch the 1sts game, but more likely out of fear of witnessing the full might of the ******* 2’s

Post-Match
Dick of the Day: Harry Tate, for scoring a try and being an Aussie.
Man of the Match: Anushan was awarded man of the match by the opposition for having the largest piece in English rugby – how they confirmed this remains a mystery…