A big day ahead, the longest coach trip of the year, a potential banana skin if past seasons are anything to go by and the thought of Six bottles of Lambrini’s on the horizon created an anxious buzz around the group.

Arriving at the ground the excitement began to grow, with facilities and grounds every club would dream of, a big 4g pitch, spacious changing rooms and a high spec gym you couldn’t help but look forward to what was ahead.

The game started with a poorly taken restart by hammers, however possession was quickly regathered. Ross quickly put his mark on the game bringing out his inner Dupont-esque kicking skills not once, but twice giving us a 50/22 gifting us great territory gains. The first of nine tries came fifteen minutes into the game after a quick tap penalty from ross, putting it out to the backs and Ed Haynes with perfect pass setting Matt Killeen up in the corner.

It wasn’t long before the second, third and fourth try came. Captain, Joe Carolan showing his strength to break a few tackles and finish in the corner. Joe, a name that will pop up a lot through this report, set McCloud up for the third try of the game after good identification of a miss-match in the middle. The fourth was a full length of the field try, with the ball going through J-Lo, Zanders and Harty’s hands before ending with another try from Joe, sealing that bonus point in the first half hour.

The half finished with a big defensive set, ten minutes of solid pressure from Aylesbury’s forwards grinding their way closer to the line and eventually coming away with a try, giving them some hope going into the second half. The second half started in a similar fashion to the ending of the first, silly penalties given away allowing Aylesbury a lineout five meters out which resulted in their second try of the match after some silky hands from their hooker.

More uncertainty came after a clearance kick didn’t make touch allowing Aylesbury’s fullback to gather and show his pace and skill to make a good break from sixty meters out leaving a two on one which was well executed putting them under the posts for another try, back to a sixteen-point difference, game on.

Fifteen minutes of brain fog out of the way and hammers got back to their usual ways settling into the second half and finally getting some territory and possession which resulted in another Killeen try, quickly followed by a beautifully executed move between scrum half Ross and centre Joe leaving the Aylesbury forwards wondering how he ended up under the posts to score his fourth try of the match.

Aylesbury didn’t give up hope on that loosing bonus point, and their determination paid off with a big carry from a destructive number eight to go over for Aylesbury’s last try of the match.

The game finished with a powerful run from J-Lo leaving four defenders in his wake resulting in the final try of the game and second for James, bringing the final score to 53-24. Some very strong performances, Joe Carolan in particular, who picked up MOTM. A lot to work on before a top of the table clash next weekend at Hurlingham, but a win on the road is always nice.

Match Report: Hammers III v Chiswick II
Saturday 15th October saw a Hammersmith and Fulham 3rd XV handily beat a well drilled Chiswick 2nd XV. Hammers took the game by the horns when after a well recovered kick off in the opposition 22 and good phase play from the forwards, Jack Hooper was put over in the corner off the first play of the game. The game, however, didn’t keep up this break neck speed; as the opening quarter turned into an attritional, physical match, with big carries and hard tackling from both teams.

The gridlock was finally sliced open by a dancing Jake Cheetham, running from fly-half, and dotting under the posts from a scrum inside Hammer’s own half. The score would open the door for both teams attacking play, with Chiswick scoring either side, of Hammer’s MOTM Zack Underwood scoring his first. 19-14 after 30 minutes.

More purists rugby would ensue, with Hammers turning the screw in the tight five and dominating the scrum. The penalties and territory turned to points, with Adam Howell converting after a scrum was pushed over from 5m out. Hammers went into the break, up 26-14. The second half didn’t take long to get going for Hammersmith, with Huw Parks capping off a stellar kick performance (5/7 conversions) by taking a hard-line carry over for a try, untouched on his way to the promised land. Zack Underwood would convert again for Hammers, diving over from a foot out, off the base of a ruck.

Despite pulling one back, frustration started to show for Chiswick, who were unable to handle physicality shown be the Hammers front row, and replacements. After turning the ball over in Hammer’s territory, Joue ensued, with the Hammersmith backs toying with the hapless Chiswick chasing defenders, to put Jack Hooper over for his brace. Late in the game, a controversial referring decision would earn Harrison Moy his DOTD denotation; after running 85m to score off a turnover despite the referee calling a knock on.

A 45-21 full-time result for Hammers was a well deserved, with some excellent goal line defense capping off the second half. Credit to James ‘Mad-Dog’ Maddigan for excellent defensive effort
throughout as well as Dan Whitaker limiting the Chiswick offensive capabilities, with a great display from 7.

MOTM: Zak Underwood
DOTD: Harrison Moy

What on earth is going on in the house of commons… Another Saturday was upon us forecasting yet another train strike and, of course, a spot of champagne rugby.

The boys turned up rolling dice after the 2 hour, 20 mile car journey to Old Haberdashers’ RFC just north of the city; nevertheless, the sun was shining and the smell of the freshly cut pitch had the Hammers in good spirits especially after the miserable forecast given earlier in the week.

As Hammers ran out, physically prepared by Ian Burbedge’s S&C intern Ben Hatton and mentally primed by the Caravan’s wise words they were ready for the most anticipated whistle blow they receive every week.

Old Haberdashers came out firing down the hill with wind behind for the first half and Hammersmith & Fulham were shaken. Execution and ball retention lacked, and Haberdashers made the bottom corners a hard place to exit along with the helping hand from mother nature. With possession against the Hammers, defence remained strong as usual, and the inside-men quickly cottoned on to the fact their fly half was throwing an inside ball every other phase. However, as phases passed Hammers lost composure at times and discipline lapsed leading to three penalties all in front of the posts throughout the first half, all of which were pinned by the opposition 10. Hammers knew they had a game on their hands, and they needed to buck their ideas up – it was flat.

As possession turned, strong carries by Josh Smith and sub-par Pete Clark gave the backs a platform and it was flung out wide to the honey badger Tim Russell who marched the team up the right-hand side of the pitch into the opposition half. Phases started to build and eventually the whistle went in favour of Hammers with a penalty around the oppositions 10 meter line with the touchline in sight; however, some slick communication from Carolan saw Weaver’s wand fire a quick tap and miss pass to the opposite side of the pitch to Carolan who gave a second miss pass to Matt Killeen on the wing who of course finished strong in the corner with the first try of the game. At this point momentum started to shift and it appeared the Hammers had started to wake up from the car journey with another try coming in before half time as Marshall McCloud gathered a kick from the opposition on the half way line, injected his pace onto the ball before sending Killeen through a gap on the filthiest line of the season thus far:

The boys received a stern talking to from Mark at half-time.

Second half kicked off and it was clear birthday boy Ed Wynne who just came on as the impact prop heard Mark loud and clear as he caught the hanging restart from Weaver and went bulldozing through the opposition with no intention of any footwork. Phases built off this play with lovely edge to edge joué with strong collisions from Proctor and Hart and finally concluded in a backs move just outside of the 5-meter line with Weaver sending a miss pass over the top to McCloud who ran it over the line for his first try of the season.

The impact subs continued, and Bryce Morgan introduced himself to the game in style with a classy kick behind which was scooped up by Tim Russell who dotted down continuing his fight his as the third top try scorer this season. There was no doubt, at this point Hammers had found their Mojo which was misplaced during the first half and again continued to play in the right areas and gel as a team with great support play and lines being run with special mention to Josh Smith who soon bagged a meat pie under the posts off the back of some great team play.

As Hammers were getting into their notorious sixth gear, the game slowed with ball retention starting to lack off the set piece and some questionable decisions being made. A driving maul from the pack saw Ricky Drewitt presented with a try scoring opportunity once over the line, however with some angles not presented, he was penalised for a double movement over the try line. The bad luck then continued with a pinpoint cross field kick from Weaver finding Killeen who touched down before being disallowed due to an offside call by the touch judge, preventing a Killeen hat-trick in 60 minutes. During this period Haberdashers hit back with a great team-try which came from their outside centre and captain making a strong break through the Hammers and was followed with flooding support play which led to a try.

The fury built in Killeen with anxiety of jug avoidance and so it was time for the wheels to come out once again with a dash down the wing to get the hat-trick he was nearly robbed from; but he wasn’t done there, a brilliant set piece from the Hammers backs within their own 22 saw James Lo giving a perfect ball on the gain line to Killeen who again proceeded to run most the pitch to score under the sticks yet again for his fourth.

Haberdashers were understandably feeling the frustration after this and came back hard with some solid carries up the middle, and with many phases building they eventually found themselves on the Hammers 5-meter line hoping to finish strong on what now looked like a harsh score line. After many attempts close to the break down failing to penetrate the Hammers try line defence, the ball was spun out to the backs but Carolan read they were going to hit the big Haberdashers 13 and intercepted the pass to run 95 meters under the oppositions posts to finish the game.

Another Bonus-point win for Hammersmith & Fulham RFC, as they make it 335 points for the season and 5 out of 5 so far, the biggest total points scored in the RFU right now. Time for a rest week and some well-deserved TLC for the boys who will take on bongos bingo this weekend before heading back home to Fort Hurlingham to face Fullerians on the 15th October.

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

Two-weeks on since I last saw Hammersmith & Fulham Men’s 1^st XV score 87 points, the time had arrived, a local derby, one that had not been seen for some time, the battle of the parks, Hurlingham vs Regents, Hammers vs Belsize, who would come out on top?

As my brothers and I were wrapped up in our match attire, the teams warmed up. Hammersmith’s dynamic stretching being led by Mr Hammers himself Ian Burbedge, while Steve Harris and Phil Swainston made last minute strategic tweaks in Director of Rugby Mark Jackson’s absence. The comms picked up over the next 40 minutes, as either side completed their preparation; quieter than usual, perhaps due to nerves or maybe just silent confidence as the team’s hit the pads and entered the changing rooms. No less than 10 minutes later, they were back out raring to go, Hammersmith and Fulham playing away from me throughout the first half, an uncommon affair.

Nevertheless, the boys started well despite giving an early penalty away off the restart, an eagerness to impress I expect and a prediction made by Pete Morris just before the whistle. Following Belsize Park’s kick to touch, the line out was contested and a scrum was awarded to the Hammers. A solid platform was formed by the forwards and the backs were released. A dummy, miss pass and an inside ball later Tim Russell found himself over the line, a 50m score that I could truly appreciate from my Bird’s eye view behind. Unlike previous weeks Joe Carolan needed no warming up and the conversion was slotted, for he is most at peace when the pressure is on him, 7 vs 0 Hammersmith & Fulham. The next 15 minutes were much the same as the Hammers intensity continued, Belsize only being relieved through a series of penalties caused by ill-discipline. The period did, however, eventually see Hammersmith add two additional converted tries, a strong pick-up off the base of the Scrum and some great hands from Matt Killeen and Tim Russell allowed Tom Proctor to dot down in the corner, while a break through the ruck from Joe Carolan and some outside support from Matt Killeen led to a further try, score 21 vs 0.

The next 20 minutes saw the tide turn and although I love to see Hammersmith doing well, it was nice to get closer to the action. Continued ill-discipline, as well as strong carries from Belsize Park saw the Hammers on the back foot, something the team would be unfamiliar with at home this season. While Hammersmith held out strong, they were unable to enter Belsize’s half and 20 minutes later the pressure took its toll. After a Tim Russell yellow card, taken on behalf of the team, it took just 2 minutes for Belsize Park to score. A quick-tap, some strong carries and great hands saw them score over the line to my left-hand side, just before half-time. An accurate conversion to my right and the extra 2 points were given, score heading into half time, Hammersmith & Fulham 21, Belsize Park 7.

As the second-half kicked off, you could hear the wind whistling and the nerves around Hurlingham, how would the Hammers respond? – now playing towards me. Unfortunately, not well. As the restart was spilled forward, Belsize pounced, their 13 running a strong line which sliced through the Hammers defence for a score, 21 vs 14, game-on. As Tessa Blanchard once said, “I do, I put pressure on myself” and that is exactly what Hammersmith had done, the response was now key, and what a response it was. With Tim Russell now back on the pitch the Hammers looked to press for the bonus point and after some consistent pressure and a Belsize Park yellow card, it was an inside ball to a galloping Ed Haynes that unleashed James Lo to score on my right-hand side. Carolan unfortunately, hitting my twin brother’s outside shoulder on this occasion, 26 vs 14. While his radar may have been slightly adrift on this occasion, it wasn’t 2 minutes later, as he slotted a penalty that intersected my brother and I. As the crowd cheered, all I could remember was Jacob Poulton’s whisper beforehand “think about the skill” – only 30 minutes earlier he had seen his dubious up and under result in a penalty for Belsize Park. With their tails now up, some great skills were on show. A solid Steve John catch from kick-off and some fantastic hands, saw Tim Russell storming down my left, an attempted inside pass to Joe Carolan was deemed to be deliberately knocked down by the Belsize Park defender and a further yellow card ensued – Belsize Park down to 13, an apparent eighth card of the season for them! From the scrum that followed, I was able to witness the backs once again in all their glory, a set-piece move saw Matt Killeen break the line and offload to James Lo for his second of the match and fourth of the season. This time there was no mistake and the Caravan slotted the ball just to my right, 36 vs 14.

Against the run of play Belsize Park struck next. With 15 players back on the pitch and some fantastic hands, their 11 was away, Dodging, Ducking, Dipping, Diving and Dodging like he was playing Globo Gym, the try was eventually scored in the corner – some very average Joe’s play from the Hammers backline. Conversion on this occasion unsuccessful, score 36 vs 19. With 5 minutes to play Hammersmith grabbed the match by the scruff of its neck. Ollie Weaver putting the team in a fantastic position, while exceeding Ben Dugdale’s request of just making touch. A great throw by Scott Van Berckel setting up the backline, as Tim Russell carried hard to the line. Three phases’ later and it was the tyre specialist himself Josh Smith over the line for the Hammers 6^th of the game. With Carolan taking the full 90 seconds to slot the kick, the clock was dead and as the whistle was blown, they knew they had won, but were reluctant to celebrate, for they knew in their heart what still awaits them. Full-time, 43 vs 19.

Another Bonus-point win for Hammersmith & Fulham RFC, as they make it 281 points for the season and 4 out of 4 so far. Unfortunately, I won’t be there to observe them as they face a tough Old Haberdashers team away next week but wish them the best. Until Fullerian’s at home, I bid my farewell, for with drive and a bit of talent, you can move mountains.

The Left-Post closest to the Flood Lit Training Pitch

Score: Hammersmith & Fulham Men’s 1^st XV 43 vs Belsize Park Men’s 1^st XV 19

Man of the Match: Alex Spicer