The mens 2nd XV takes home the silverware!

The time had arrived, finals day. With the 3s also playing in a cup of their own and the ******** playing at Wimbledon RFC against Worthing, the stage was set for a historic day for the club.

A strong warm up from the boys on a pitch resembling the smoothness of a teenagers face, meant Hammers were eager to get out the traps early.

Over to the captain to take the first restart of the game and create some momentum. Worthing scrum on the Hammers 22.

The game stayed level until an unusually good hammers kick chase from their own half, alongside some questionable defensive work from Worthing, lead to Kris under the sticks. Geoff caressing the ball over for the extras. 7-0 Hammers.

As is Hammers tradition, knock on number 2 from a restart. However this time, the culprit will remain unnamed (KEE KEE). Some maintained pressure from Worthing, and a couple of penalties on the Hammers line, resulted in Worthing taking the 3. 7-3 Hammers.

It was clear from the off, Mahon’s right foot meant business in the sun. A strong penalty clearance finding touch on the Worthing 10m line (ish) was backed up by a dart from Paddy “PO10” O’Toole  that only Powerhouse Taylor could only be proud of. The front 8 of Hammers walked the ball 40m and over. No surprises who was lingering at the back of the maul to claim it, Couchy. Geoff missing the extras. 12-3 Hammers.

Third times a charm, Hammers successfully catch a kick off! The skipper making up for his past indiscretions. That being said, Worthing applied more pressure and after a kick to the corner following a penalty, scored in the corner. 12-8 Hammers.

With the game very much in the balance the next score was crucial. Up step Chris Thompson. Again from about the Worthing 10m line, a few broken tackles and strong right palms finishes off a pearler just before the break. 19-8 Hammers at the break.

HT.

The second half started slowly with both sides defending valiantly. However, consistent pressure from the Hammers pack resulted in a penalty in front of the sicks. Mahon adding the three. 22-8.

Shortly after, hammers had their foot back on the pedal, with Max picking a pearler of a line following a rebels in mid field. A grubber through from Sam Herron behind the Worthing decisive line meant it was easy pickings for Max to finish in the corner. Geoff again, doing his thing. 29-8.

They say lightning never strikes twice, well Sam Nursey certain didn’t want it to. An almost carbon copy of a grubber through puts him in the corner. However – for reasons  -unbeknown to everyone watching, he somehow kicks the ball dead instead of diving on it for an easy 5 points.

With 15 minutes to go Worthing thought they were finding their way back into the game, until Hammers skipper Jack McGregor folding the Worthing 12 like a deckchair (justice served following the Worthing 12 kicking Hammers winger Sam Smith in the face just a few short weeks previous).

Worthing however, did find themselves scoring shortly after. 29-15. They weren’t dead yet.

The boys dug deep and restablished dominance. 5 minutes to go and Hammers put one last nail in the coffin with a chip and chase to himself on the half way line from Sam H, followed up by a fly hack into corner to dive on it a seal a comfortable victory for Hammers. Geoff shanking one 20m wide.

Full time 34-15.

Cracking day all round. 3s winning as well. 2 bits of silverware and many beers consumed in the sun.

Now time for a well earned break for the boys ahead of what will be a tasty pre season.

Peace out.