Griffins run out 31-8 winners in top-of-the-table clash

Hackney secured their fifth consecutive victory of the season last weekend by beating Belsize Park at home in a top-of-the-table clash.

The Griffins started the game the brighter of the two sides and won an early penalty that captain Alex O’Hara converted.

However, Belsize responded immediately and scored a try out wide to take the lead.

The visitors were only in front for a short while though, as Hackney then scored their first try through Daniel Delgado, who showed a real rugby brain when instead of diving over the line, attempted to work his way towards to the posts for an easier conversion.

However, upon doing this, the centre was tackled high and the referee had no choice but to award a penalty try.

Moments later and Hackney scored their second try through captain O’Hara.

Cormac Fanning fed Ben Chamberlain on the halfway line, who rounded the Belsize full back before being hauled down.

Superb rucking from Henry Williams and Hart resulted in quick ball and Fanning found O’Hara who stepped his opposite man to score his fifth try of the season.

The visitors then clawed back another try as the scoreboard read 15-10 at the interval.

After the break, Hackney struck first when the excellent Ant Duttine scored a try for the second week running.

However, just like the first half, the Griffins allowed Belsize to reply soon after as a series of penalties stretched the home side’s defence too far, allowing the visitors to score their third try of the afternoon.

As so often has been the case this season, Hackney once again showed their strength in the scrum, while Ollie Hart controlled the lineout and frequently stole ball from the opposition.

The bonus point was then secured by Delgado, who finished a sweeping move to touch down in the left corner, before the forwards scored through prop Lloyd Williams-Jones, following a rolling maul.

Hackney then wrapped up the scoring with a try designed by O’Hara and finished by wing Duttine.

Hackney: Williams-Jones, Beno, Pilkington, Crocket, Hart, Tully, Chamberlain, McMahon, Fanning, O’Hara, Duttine, Rowbottom, Delgado, C Williams, H Williams. Subs: Dawson, Walsh, Prowse.