The Hammers 2s Blow Enfield Away in 60-19 Rout

The 2s arrived looking to put last week’s disappointing loss firmly behind them, with the wind howling across Enfield and Enfield Ignatians’ sizeable pack standing in their way. Having identified early doors that the opposition possessed a formidable set of forwards, the game plan was simple: play to the conditions, stick to the structures, and make the big Enfield pack work for every inch.

The ******* started with intent, putting Enfield under pressure and keeping them largely at bay in their own half. What followed was a period of tough, uncompromising defence, with the opposition pack repeatedly testing the boys’ resolve. The 2s stood firm, however, and as the attacking structures began to click, the tries started flowing. Dan Hogg was amongst the early scorers, showing the kind of attacking instincts that would become a theme of the afternoon, while the rest of the boys chipped in to build a healthy lead.

The second half brought much of the same, although Enfield Ignatians began spending more time in the ******* 2s’ half. Their sizeable pack continued to thunder forward, breaking the line and reminding everyone that this was no afternoon stroll. With the wind making life difficult, the 2s perhaps got a little carried away with the champagne rugby, occasionally moving the ball around when keeping possession and grinding out phases would have been the wiser option.

A late surge from Enfield Ignatians saw them cross over for a couple of late tries, giving the scoreline a slightly more respectable look. The ******* 2s were forced into some valiant defence during the closing stages, with bodies flying into tackles and the boys refusing to give an inch. Despite the late pressure, the 2s held firm and ensured the result was never in doubt.

At the other end, Dan Hogg was having a day to remember. Linking up superbly with his partner in crime, Digby Waldron, Hogg was everywhere: running hard, attacking with intent and putting in a shift defensively. A hat-trick was the deserved reward for a performance that earned him Man of the Match. Digby, meanwhile, finished off a tidy afternoon in the 10 jersey, adding five conversions and keeping the scoreboard ticking over.

With tries coming thick and fast, keeping track of the scorers became something of a blur. Reuben Wheeler, Dan Hindle, Joe O’Brien, Russell Wingfield, Noah Chamberlain x 2 and Dylan Jones all got in on the action, alongside Hoggy’s three tries.

Ultimately, the ******* 2s put last week’s disappointment behind them, sticking to their structures and breezing past a physical and demanding Enfield Ignatians side. The big pack came looking for a battle, but the boys had the answers: strong defence, smart attacking rugby and enough tries to keep the scoreboard busy. A thoroughly deserved 60–19 victory, and a performance to build on.