Herts/Middlesex II

Hackney 8 London Welsh Am 12

HACKNEY’S seven match unbeaten run came to an end after a narrow defeat to London Welsh Amateurs.

Despite great scrummaging from the Gogs, Welsh had the better of the first half and scored two tries converting one.

The first was a well executed move that saw their 10 scythe through the Hackney defence to touch down under the posts.

Their second was lucky as Hackney tapped back from a defensive lineout and the ball spilled on the wet ground with a Welsh forward getting his fingers to the ball as it crossed the try line.

A great break by Alex O’Hara almost led to a try for Ben Chamberlain who couldn’t grasp the slippery ball from the inside pass.

Hackney did finally get a score after sustained pressure when the hosts charged down a kick, with the resulting kick downfield by the hosts’ grabbed and touched down by James Hardwick first.

His conversion attempt went agonisingly close as it appeared to be going between the posts, only to smash into the upright.

The second half was a classic at any level of rugby. Both teams attacked and defended as though their season depended on it, meaning there was little to chose between the two.

Hackney started the better and were rewarded with three penalties in the Welsh half for infringements around the ruck.

Hardwick pushed the first two attempts narrowly wide, but send the third, a 40m effort sailing between the posts to make it 12-8 and take his points tally for the season to 110.

Welsh were not battered though and utilised some intelligent kicks to push Hackney back time and time again.

The matched climaxed with Hackney attempting their second escape act of the year after a lineout on the half way line went into touch just before full time. A great claim by Johnny Crocket set up the maul, collapsed for a penalty which was tapped quickly taking Hackney deep into Welsh territory. With three points not enough Hackney had to run and cross the try line but this time Welsh managed a turnover and hoofed the ball into touch.

Hackney: Beno, Walsh, Bobin, Hart, Crockett, Tully, Bowers, Chamberlain, Davis, O’Hara, Frost, Aylward, Rowbottom, Saad, Hardwick. Subs: Byers, Mills, Rooke.

Belsize Park II 22 Hackney II 20

HACKNEY’S second team were unlucky losers as just two points separated themselves and Belsize Park.

Hackney had a dream start – a score in the far corner from a well won kick off. After 15 minutes of Gogs dominance, Belsize struck back with two scores within the next five minute period.

A well constructed build up of attack from Hackney culminated in a great driving try from Chris McMahon after 28 minutes.

Following the restart kick Belsize exerted good pressure on Hackney, winning a turnover ball and extended the gap to seven points.

This was how the score remained until the 75th minute when Owen touched down.

Lapses in concentration then occurred for both teams with a try exchange virtually from each restart.

Hackney: Harris, Nyhus, Ben, Relph (Addison), Wilson, Walsham, Watkins, McMahon, Hearn, Moore, Hobday (Armstrong), Fanning, Tivoi(Griffin), Davis, Cox.