Hampstead Ladies 1st XV vs Hammersmith & Fulham

An unseasonably warm and dry February day provided perfect conditions for a competitive game between the ladies first XV and their close rivals Hammersmith and Fulham.

Hampstead started strongly hitting hard and making some good ground. However, the home side notched up the first score with some strong running from one of their stand out players who was difficult to contain all match. Hampstead hit back quickly with some slick hands getting the ball out to back of the match Micha Palmer who went over for Hampstead’s first score. Hammersmith hit back quickly but the Hampstead back three combined again with full back Danielle Grant going under the posts. The kick conversion was charged down leaving the half time score achingly close at 12-10 to Hampstead.

The match remained end to end in the second half and Hampstead did well to dominate possession despite struggling at times in the set piece. Hampstead dug in showing some excellent defence to hold the home team out on several occasions. Special mention should go to the quick thinking of scrum half Rachel Grovenor who broke Hammersmith hearts following a hugely impressive 5 metre scrum which walked over the line only to be touched down by Hampstead. Micha Palmer helped to seal the final result showing outstanding pace from inside her own half to cross once again under the posts. Fly half Angela Chapado added her second conversion of the day leaving the final score 19-10 to Hampstead.