In a game that was always going to be physical the addition of a strong wind going directly down the pitch meant both teams had to adapt their games to cope with the conditions.

Hampstead chose to play against the wind in the 1st half with the aim of getting the hard yards done in the first 40 and play for the corners in the 2nd. The opening 40 minutes was arguably the most complete performance we have managed so far this season. Strong structured play against the wind was led by Jack Brooks whose physicality was ever present throughout the game, however rather than relying on one man everyone put their hands up whether it was running the lead line or being the first to the breakdown in support. This willingness to get ‘stuck in’ was epitomised by Verona forgetting that he is a ball playing fly half by charging out of our 22 straight at his opposite number-more on Verona’s physicality later!

Hampstead were able to slowly build the phases until gaps appeared out wide. The first try of the day came from Prowse who was set up in the corner following some good play from centres Dunkley and Mogridge. Mogridge then followed up with one of his own following a dropped ball from Belsize park. Belsize came back into the game with some strong physical runs, however Hampstead were able to hold fast and stop Belsize from getting over the line but did end up allowing them to get 3 points on the board. The final try of the half went to Fergie who after complaining he hadn’t managed to touch the ball yet ran a nice line off Verona down the blindside to canter in from 10m line.

Strangely both teams seemed to actually play better against the wind with Belsize dominating the second half. Continued pressure in Hampstead’s 22 eventually lead to Belsize getting over the line from a driving maul. This pressure continued to build when Verona (who had moved to 9 at this stage) decided he wanted to continue his new found physicality by getting sin binned for a swinging arm- yes another 9 getting sin binned, who would have thought it.

Fortunately, even with a man down Hampstead didn’t lose their heads with Damo pinning Belsize back with his trusty right boot and Prowse standing in at 9. Further tries for Hampstead came from a driving maul with Damo getting the points (we will make a 6 out of you yet) and by substitute prop Chris whose strength was too much for a tiring Belsize defence.

MoM: Whelan-who tackled all day, was always offering himself in attack and an always improving scrummaging performance. Special mentions must go to Jack Brooks and Charlie Taylor. Neither of them stopped during the game with Jack making yards on every carry and Charlie being a right nuisance at the breakdown.

DoD: Verona-at one stage a very strong contender for MoM, Verona was wins this accolade for ending up on the naughty step.