Ben Chamberlain runs in three tries as Hackney run riot

Herts Middlesex League Division One

Hackney 34 Old Hamptonians 11

MAN of the match Ben Chamberlain scored a hat-trick of tries to lead Hackney to a 34-11 victory over Old Hamptonians on Saturday.

From the off, over-eagerness saw four quick penalties put Hackney on the back foot but a break and some continued pressure led to Hardwick knocking over his first penalty of the afternoon.

With scrum ball deep in Hamptonians 22, Shaun Rooke passed an inside ball to Chamberlain who duly drove over, beating off two defenders to put Hackney in front. In the 23rd minute a yellow card for punching led to Harwick stretching the lead to 13-3. Soon after Jon Williams took illegal action in his own five and was sent to the bin just five minutes after his Hamptonians counterpart, with the final score of the half to leave Hackney leading 13-6.

The second half started badly as Alex O’Hara threw a short pass which was intercepted to bring the score back to 13-11. What followed was a big display of character, rather than letting their heads drop the Griffins came out fighting.

Straight from the kick off Hackney regained possession and drove forward, gaining the penalty, although the kick was just short. Great work with driving mini-mauls saw Chamberlain break inside, he had support from skipper Charlie Davis but he didn’t need it as he finished superbly leaving James Hardwick to slot an excellent conversion to stretch the home side’s lead.

Just two minutes later, Oscar Winger took a pass from O’Hara and run in under the posts, ably assisted by Tully who body-checked the cover. Hardwick converted superbly again and Hackney were right on top.

Just five minutes later, Hackney completed the scoring for the afternoon, and ensured their second bonus point of the season as Chamberlain completed his hat-trick.

The Fourths were dominant as they thrashed Fullerians 89-0 at the weekend.

Dan Aylward scored four, while Nigel Benyon and Mauricio Riberio each touched down three times, with man of the match Will Roberts, John Chung and Matthieu Arneguy all scoring.

Hackney RFC training sessions at Spring Hill on Tuesday at 7.30pm. Everyone welcome, all abilities, boys and girls and we provide a full range of rugby skills development and fitness.