Hampstead find the Watford Gap

After a brilliant training session on the Heath yesterday, followed by a magnificent Christmas lunch, today saw a squad of young men make the trip to Fullerians in Watford.

The pitch inspection at 8am correctly adjudged the pitch to be playable and a small squad of 15 arrived in plenty of time to run through their paces before kick-off.

Fullerians with a deeper squad - in excess of 6 subs - and two divisions above us in the league were looking forward to a routine afternoon. They hadn’t anticipated what was coming at them. Our team featured players adjusting to new positions but hellbent on living up to the values of our club were slowly tuning in.

The format was 3 ‘halves’ of twenty minutes. The game started, just as the rain clouds opened up and Fullerians were quick out of the blocks. Despite some strong tackling they ran in a try after just a couple of minutes. It was the wake-up call our lads needed, and the response was immense. Our defence was well organised and ferocious with every player committed to making their tackles. Dominant tackles put Fullerians on the back foot. We quickly responded to the early concession and landed the first of what would prove to be a try-laden morning.

Despite the horrendous rain and accompanying cold weather the boys played an expansive style of rugby, moving the ball through the hands. The first half was nip and tuck with Fullerians enjoying the better of the breakdown but our scrum was looking solid. As the match proceeded, our pack began to exert their force. Brilliant rucking led to faster ball, more width and our outside backs and forward runners galloped into open space. Some outstanding individual runners were given a terrific platform by breathtaking work at the breakdown and scrum time. Credit to the Fullerians referee who kept the game moving while also insisting on high-calibre scrummaging. Our front 6 were outstanding in this set-piece.

Of course Fullerians were not going to go down without a fight, and they put our defence to the test especially in the third half. The tackle-count across the 60 minutes was outrageous. We conceded one or two more penalties than we would have liked but each time our defensive unit regrouped and repelled the onslaught. Fullerians nabbed a few tries but our boys ran in a total of 8 tries!

The character, mental resolve, especially given the conditions and the commitment to one another was there for everyone to see. Each and every player contributing to a phenomenal end of year performance and a comfortable scoreline win.

The boys (and parents) dried off and defrosted in the clubhouse after an exceptional morning of rugby.
Well done Hampstead!

REPORT BY: Darren O'Kelly (U13 Coach)