The Bastards are back!
After a heavy defeat last week the 2’s returned to Hurlingham to face Horsham alongside the 1’s in a double header. This truly was a Bastards team, with the returning Joe Carolan, Steve John and Ben Hibberd featuring in a team-sheet oozing sex appeal.
From kick-off we looked comfortable with ball in hand, working the opposition defence hard and moving the ball left and right. The weeks of training focusing on structure was clearly evident. Combined with the perfectly placed touch finders from Carolan took us into the opposition 22, were after a few phases in the red zone Carolan stretched over for the opening score. The bastards were straight back up the pitch with Paddy O’Toole finding himself on the edge, bouncing their winger (Bosh!) and only being brought down a few meters short. After a few more phases Sam Nursey found some space on the wing, threw off 3 opposition with an outrageous inside step and dotted down a second score for the Hammers.
After a good kick chase for Horsham and some miscommunication by us led to the travelling side scoring an easy try. Half time 12-5, but Horsham had their tails up and moral levels high going into the second half. Was the comeback on?
It looked like it was, the second half started with Horsham making good territory gains pinning the us down deep inside our own half. Their bigger ball carriers fancied it, running hard and direct. And we didn’t help ourselves, opting to try and play out from deep rather than kicking up the field, tingling the nerves of coach Alan Jones.
But we are Bastards! The defensive shift was awesome. Monster hits coming in from the flanker pair Jack Macgregor and Dan Whitaker, and despite being camped in our own 22 they were denied, suckling on the teat of our tryline.
Momentum then shifted, inspired by strong carries by Seb Rivett and Valerio Marcantognini we found ourselves back in their 22 where want-to-be-winger Russell Wingfield was able to avoid touch and score in the corner with pinpoint accuracy. This was quickly followed by Carolan’s second try and the Hammers had enough of a buffer to play freely.
The final 10 minutes put Horsham to the sword, Sam Nursey and Ben Hibberd constantly making serious yardage down each wing and some great offloading by the forwards put Wingfield in for his second of the day. A final scrum 10 meters out was all the invitation Steve John needed to for an 8-pick and bulldoze through under the sticks. Game over
Final score stood at 40-12 to Hammersmith and Fulham 2’s.
Man of the Match – Joe Carolan