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Archive 2008 Match reports
| HAMPSTEAD LADIES VS BARNES (34-0) - 25th January 2009 On a cold and wet day, the Hampstead cohorts descended into the depths of Putney and Barnes in order to meet the foe! It was clear from the outset that the weather was going to play some part in the afternoon's proceedings, but to what degree was only latterly to be observed! By the end of the seventy minutes every single lady was to be carrying in excess of an extra stone in weight, of mud and water that clung to them like an exceptionally cheap Eau De Toilette! We almost caught an amazingly early break, when from our kick off a ruck formed and as the ball passed on from the Barnes's fly, Anna Jones off like a jack rabbit would have had the clearest channel for the posts, had she managed not to knock the ball forwarded a good fathom...! Our usual safest hands in the business moved too fast for a ball that wasn't quick enough to keep up! However, from the subsequent back and fro of scrummages we managed to get some of our only quick ball of the whole day and as it whipped down the line Clea latched on to the end of it to put down within the first three minutes. Sadly it didn't prove to be the measure of the game, as Barnes were resilient and refused to be kept down. They returned time and time again, and following that try camped rather too firmly for the coach's liking within the midfied and 22 of the Hampstead half. Good communication within the defense line meant that they weren't to get much further to it than ten yards away on this occasion, but for a firm quarter of an hour Hampstead were very much locked into place. This time however when Anna Jones burst away leaving a gaping whole in the Hampstead defense, she ensured she caught the pass from Barnes' fly and sprinted to put down under the posts. Ella refused to look a gift horse in the mouth and promptly put it over for a further two points. Though Barnes may sit at the bottom of the league, they certainly don't play like a beaten team. They were organised, consistent and full of character. This showed when once again they took the game back to Hampstead, and never bugded an inch. Their three quarters continued to cut into our defensive lines, and Maja had her hands full with a talented and shapely opposite 9. In the mud the scrums were fairly equally, though we had the edge of them- Sylvie managing to procure some balls against the head too. Naturally both teams would progress forward a solid twenty to thirty metres before a slip or knock on would result in another one of many scrums. Such was the case when gifted a scrum about seven metres from the line, Sybil latched on to a ball passed straight through the hands, and gratiously offloaded to Clea when two of the opposition failed to put her down, but at least take the inertia out of her momentum. Unconverted this time, Hampstead went off to the half time whistle 17-0 up. It is often thought that the most dangerous moments in any team sport tend to be the first and last five minutes of any half. Such was to be the case. Though berated by the coach, Hampstead faced an incredible drive for the line straight from the kick off by a Barnes side even more keen to draw blood. It was immensely satisfying to see us marshal the defense to drive them back and back again for a solid four minutes before after many phases of ball the pressure told and Barnes spilt the ball forward. The play then passed back and forth through the midfield, first Hampstead progressing forward thirty to forty yards before the ground was reclaimed by a rejuventated Barnes onslaught. It wasn't until roughly halfway through the half that Mars was the final receiver through a solid phase of continuous passing and put down for our fourth try. Barnes once more returned deep into Hampstead lands, daring never to leave, but with two solid breaks giving Hampstead the necessary yardage, it was only so long before Anna Jones, now completely indistinguishable from the rest of the twenty nine players on the park, so covered head to toe in mud that they were, pushed through and down. The only time that the Barnes defense let itself down was a minute later, when with a full head of steam Mars burst through the initial defense, and the covering tackler took a good long look at what was hammering down upon her and decided that perhaps today wasn't a good day to die. Ella saw that away to take the tally at the close to 34-0. Credit should be given to the opposition- who were good competitors, never giving ground nor giving up, and were most congenial hosts. The match was fought with tenacity and spirit by both sides, but also with great friendliness. We shall certainly look forward to playing them again. The referee who came to officiate the match also did so at a last minute call, and was undoubtedly one of the best that we've been privelged to have. Hampstead adapted to the terrible conditions, and it speaks well of them that they were able to win whilst not playing the beautiful rugby we've know them to play. It should be an interesting combat on Valentine's Day weekend. Tries: Bigelow-Nuttal (2), Collins (2), Jones (2) Conversions: Mitchell (2) | |
| HAMPSTEAD LADIES VS GUILFORD (10-0) - 18th January 2009 While the residents of Santiago, Chile enjoyed temperatures of around 32 °C last Sunday, the temperature on Hampstead Heath Extension (or the X, as we call it in the ‘hood) hovered closer to 32F. However, the ladies of Hampstead and their visiting foes from Guildford did their level best to warm things up for their respective supporters who had made the trip to the X for the big match. Whist many ‘top of the table’ clashes turn out like politicians – promising much but delivering very little, this face off was a knock-down, drag out affair more reminiscent of Brenda Walsh v Kelly Taylor than the more recent Angelina Jolie v Jennifer Aniston walkover. However, on this occasion the spoils were not Dylan McKay’s immaculately groomed side burns, but three very valuable league points. Pre-match, most pundits were predicting a close battle despite the fact that Guildford took the first rubber 41-0. However, that was against a Hampstead side stripped of some of its more prominent members and those pigskin prognosticators were not to be disappointed with the return match, as the two sides were to exchange punch and counter punch like two grizzled heavyweights. The skies had opened up the evening before the match, leaving the X in a rather sodden state, although the field didn’t cut up too badly under the delicate pitter patter of 30 pairs of aluminium tipped hooves. Possession and territory were largely shared in the early going as the two teams sized each other up like a pair of nervous teenagers at a high school dance. From the end of the first quarter however, it seemed to this correspondent at least that Hampstead started to gain the upper hand. Whilst points were harder to come by than Catholic virgins, some promising attacking sorties were launched, with number eight Marcella ‘the Muss’ Collins often to the fore. On one such occasion Ms Collins burst down the blindside breaking tackles like so many young hearts. However just when it seemed ‘the Muss’ was about to break the deadlock, the Guildford fullback did the female equivalent of growing a pair (whatever that might be) and stepped up to make a try saving tackle. Amateur songwriter Collins was causing more trouble mere minutes later too, when she managed to off-load the ball out of a tackle to left winger Cathy Pope who made a promising burst down the sideline, only to be bundled into touch. The Guildford defence though, like benefit fraudsters, had been put on notice. Guildford have had a good season thus far however, and showed they lacked nothing in terms of commitment and ability as they camped out in the Hampstead 22 and launched attack after attack on the Hampstead line. But like the hardy citizens of Leningrad, the Hampstead defences held firm, with outside centre Alex Bowtell and captain and prop Ella Mitchell putting in some vital, quite possibly try saving tackles. However the biggest bone cruncher was levelled by hooker Sylvie Fail. Ms Fail is a teacher in training (TIT) and while normally a close encounter with a TIT is a pleasurable experience, this was anything but for the Guildford ball carrier who was stopped on a dime (approximately 6p, or NZ$135), driven backwards and dumped on her back. I hope the young lady enjoys summer school, because the teacher just ‘Fail-ed’ her! Eventually, unlike General Douglas Haig who never tired of sending his men into the teeth of the German machine guns to their certain death in WWI, Guildford decided that perhaps going around, rather than right through the Hampstead defenders might be a better option. And were it not for some sharp clean up work to force a 22 drop out, the well-placed kick in behind the defence may well have paid dividends. After surviving the siege, scrum half Maja Melendez got good distance on her 22 drop out to provide the home side with some breathing room. The ‘beer and curry babies’ were in no mood to simply draw breath though, for as the clock ticked down to half time Bowtell exploded onto a short ball from fly half Nadine Mason like a newly castrated steer bursts out of a head bail. In the interests of full disclosure and impartiality, her highly effective fend on the cover defender may have contained a sliver of forearm and/or elbow, however, I am no orthopaedist so it would not really be fair for me to comment. Suffice to say it was effective. Bearing down rapidly on the goal line, Ms Bowtell’s progress was eventually halted, but she still managed to transfer the ball back to Mason who scored the meat pie with the sort of glee a Canadian only normally displays when they meet someone who can readily and without prompting distinguish their accent from that of someone who lives ‘south of the border’. A well worked try eh. Unfortunately ‘Captain Cardiff’ just missed the conversion to the left hand side of the posts, but Hampstead’s lead at the switch of ends was a useful 5-0. Whilst not privy to coach Jones’ captain Mitchell’s half time comments, the Hampstead ladies had shown both an ability to soak up and apply pressure in the first half. They also displayed some impressive continuity in their play, but this was something of a double-edged sword, for all too often ill-advised passes were thrown and the resultant catch spilled. Much of this was likely due to the muddy ball, cold hands and defensive pressure from the Guildford side, but I’m sure it was of concern to the Hampstead brains trust. Likewise, the ability of the Guildford players to turn over ball in the contact area, both in the air and on the ground no doubt caused a headache or two for those who weren’t already suffering from one due to the excesses of the Saturday night previous. Turning to play uphill in the second half, the big question was whether the 5-0 lead would be enough. Although I was also wondering whether I should abandon my wellies in favour of my runners. Whilst the wellies are better suited to handling the mud that was omnipresent along the sideline, runners would have kept my toes warmer. After some deliberation, I decided to gut it out with the wellies. Inspired decision making. A mere three minutes into the second half, a Hammers Blitzkrieg led to Mason completing her brace of tries for the day, and leaving the Guildford team collectively sporting Jade Goody faces – dumbfounded by the speed with which Hampstead punished their momentary lack of ball control. Guildford attempted to maul the ball away from a lineout just outside their 22. Whilst they made reasonable progress, Hampstead’s finest managed to disrupt the maul and pull it to ground, which sent the ball bouncing loose whereupon inside centre Anna Jones pounced on it as though it was an unclaimed pint. ‘The Muss’ took the ball forward powerfully and after being held by the final defender, managed to spin around and get the pass to the aforementioned Mason to finish the job. Smiles, high fives and shrill cries of ‘WATER’ and ‘KICKING TEE’ abounded. Unfortunately the latter didn’t prevent the conversion from again sliding past the outside of the left hand, and furthermore, Hampstead flanker Kate Woodward suffered a leg injury in the lead up to the try. She was replaced by rookie Betony Lloyd. 10-0 Hampstead. With more than a converted try buffer, Hampstead were in a commanding position, however there is clearly no quit in Guildford, as they continued to battle manfully. Ah, wo-manfully? They managed to engineer a slight overlap for their left winger who took off running like a Scotsman that’s been stuck with the bill, unfortunately for Guildford, Ms Collins was tracking across the field doing her best Hennie Muller impression and managed to bulldog the winger and halt any attacking threat: ‘Too many weights, not enough speed work’. Furthermore, Guildford again set up camp in the Hampstead 22 for a long period of time, but again were not able to penetrate the Hampstead line. After a period of concerted attack, their backline was penalised for being inside the five metres behind an attacking scrum. Quick-thinking Hampstead second row Debbie Crossan took the tap penalty quickly, with scrum half Maja Melendez eventually being forced out 50 metres later, after the ball had passed through numerous sets of hands. That break-out seemed to kill Guildford’s most vociferous resistance, as from then on the Hampstead backs seemed to find more holes in the Guildford defence than a Tesco own-brand condom, with midfielders Jones, Bowtell and fullback Clea Bigelow-Nuttal especially prominent. Credit where it’s due; the Guildford cover defence managed to scramble well enough to prevent further damage on the scoreboard. As it turned out, 10-0 was the final score; a very satisfactory result for Hampstead. Whilst all scrums were uncontested in the match, negating what Hampstead likely considered a great strength, all the forwards dug in and busied themselves around the field. Prop forward Rachel Evans obviously really missed bashing into opponents in the scrum however, so spent her time bashing into rucks, mauls and unwary ball carriers. I can only assume forwards enjoy that type of thing. Newly converted flanker Anna Paley-Smith also seems to enjoy the more rough and tumble nature of the game closer to the front lines. The lineout was an area Hampstead enjoyed superiority in, with Guildford unable to rely on any secure ball from that set piece, with Hampstead second row Fleur Pijpers stealing many of their throws and at the very least disrupting the others with her telescopic reach. The Guildford backs looked to be a useful unit and were well marshalled by their number 10, who looked to have the full range of skills. In that light the Hampstead back’s defensive effort was especially pleasing. Guildford’s left wing showed more toe than a Roman sandal on a number of occasions, but was successfully corralled most of the time by Elle Gaskell-Taylor and fullback Big-Nut. Over all it wasn’t much of a day for wingers, as replacement Sybil Aku discovered when she too came off the bench. While the ball made its way to her wing a couple of times, the road ahead was more M25 during rush hour than the Berlin to Munich autobahn. While they didn’t get their hands D-Mc’s ‘burns, the three league points were safely banked, making for a good day out for the Hampstead ladies. Next up, an away trip to Barnes. Tries: Nadine Mason (2) | |
| HAMPSTEAD LADIES VS OLD CATERHAMIANS (22-0) - 2nd November 2008 ‘Yes we can’ has become the rallying cry for supporters of Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama in the lead up to this year’s US presidential election. At the beginning of the 2008-09 season, questions abounded as to whether the newly promoted Hampstead Ladies could compete in their new league. After four league games in the NC South East West 2 league, it seems the answer is also an emphatic ‘yes we can!’ Whilst not affecting social or economic change, the Hampstead fillies have shown both a willingness to spread the ball and an ability to score tries from anywhere on the park seemingly unaffected by the supposed jump-up in standard. As an aside, were the question posed: Can the Old Caterhamians RFC ladies make it to Hampstead Heath extension in time for a 12noon kick off, the appropriate answer would be: ‘no we most certainly cannot’. That said, with an expectant crowd in attendance, the match kicked off at approximately 12:48pm GMT in conditions pleasant enough by rugby standards. Gone was the cold and driving rain on the previous day, although by the same token the temperature would hardly be described as ‘balmy’. Unless you asked an Eskimo. As numerous and ethnically diverse as the crowd was, however, no Eskimos were in attendance. The home side soon warmed things up, however, by applying early pressure on the Old Cats line. After forcing a five metre scrum, the Hampstead eight turned the screws and had the Old Cats scrum in trouble. A hurried attempt at a clearing kick was not quick enough it seemed, as Hampstead number six Emma Lanman and scrum half Maja Melendez poured through and charged down said kick, allowing Melendez to simply fall on the ball for the opening try of the match. In truth the score was a team effort, however, with the opportunity afforded by constant pressure and a Hampstead scrum that devoured their opponents as if they were a hearty steak. Ms. Melendez, still striking something of a resemblance to George Gregan due to her unseasonably tanned epidermis, couldn’t add the conversion, however, as the ball bounced off the left upright. 5-0. Mere minutes later, the M&M twins were working in concert again. With the Old Cats backline looking to spread the ball wide, the diminutive Hampstead number nine harried the Old Cats backs like an Australian Blue Heeler dog might do to a herd of disagreeable cattle, and was able to drag down the Old Cats runner in the outside centre channel. The Hampstead midfield combination of Anna Jones and Cathy Porritt someone competed vigorously in the ensuing ruck, with the ball spewing out on the Hampstead side, just as ‘beer and curry baby’ Collins arrived on the scene. Swooping up the ball as if it were the hapless prey of a Bald Eagle, she burst through an initial tackle and had both the pace and power to dot down for another Hampstead meat pie 60 metres later. 10-0, after just 10 minutes play. At this point in the match, seagulls began to settle in the Hampstead half, safe in the knowledge they would not be disturbed as Old Cats struggled to make any inroads into Hampstead territory, and the maroon and gold’s continued to siege the Old Cats try line. Unlike the Russians at Stalingrad in 1943, however, Old Cats could not mount their own ‘Operation Uranus’ and turn the tables on their opponents, and in fact in trying to defend their line ended up conceding a penalty five metres from the line. Like the eye of a storm that passes quickly overhead, it was the briefest of respites. Quick thinking Hampstead skipper Ella Mitchell was not in the mood for charity and took the quick tap. From five metres out, the result was akin to and as predictable as letting Justin Timberlake loose in a Delta Gamma sorority house. ie carnage. George Gregan 2.0 was able to add the conversion for a short-lived 17-0 Hampstead lead. Short-lived that is because they were quickly back in try-scoring form. Showing potent power and no small amount of subtlety, the rampaging B&CB Collins managed to pop a peach of a pass out of a tackle situation which Clea Bigelow-Nuttall burst onto and gleefully skipped into the clear. As cover defence closed in, the girl from north of the border threw a deft dummy to confuse her pursuers and ensure her gas could carry her to the line for a great try. As an aside, the Canadian comet was paying 4/1 at William Hill to score a try in the match, which look to be good odds if you can get them at any stage this season. Interestingly, Kerry Kantona is currently paying 3/1 to be caught on camera pleasuring a donkey before 2008 is out, in an effort to regain her status as the UK’s talentless celebrity du jour. Probably worth a sneaky punt too methinks. Captain Mitchell was unable to add the extras. 22-0. Old Cats enjoyed their most profitable period in the run up until half time. Finally managing to get some continuity into their game and maintaining possession well. Their backs also looked to be well drilled, with the flyhalf looking slippery and the centres a pair of good runners. But bend as they may, the Hampstead defence did not break, and the score remained 22-0 at half time. Spotted mingling along the sideline at half time, Hampstead 2s captain Jim Brunt said he was well impressed with the effort from the home team, and lamented not being able to pick a few of the ladies players in the 2s line up for next week. Big George said he too was impressed. And hungry. In hindsight, perhaps Hampstead punched in the clock at half time, or maybe it was Old Cats that put forth an improved effort in the second stanza. Either way, the result was the score line remained at 22-0. Old Cats showed plenty of grit, at times monopolising possession and causing a few cracks to appear in the Hampstead scrum and lineout. They also threw everything including the kitchen sink at the Hampstead defence. Unfortunately for them, Hampstead went to the bathroom, brought back the bathtub and threw that right back at them - the Hampstead loose forward trio of B&CB, Emma Lanman and Alex Bowtell gleefully waiting for the runners to come their way like a pack of mongrel dogs at a butchers window. Attacks that Hampstead mounted in the second half were often snuffed out at ruck time, where it must be said Old Cats were particularly adept at turning over ball. They did have their chances however, with midfielder Anna Jones being brought down by one sock by the Old Cats fullback when seemingly gone for all money, and wing Elle Gaskell-Taylor also had a promising burst down the right hand touch line, only to be gobbled up as the desperate cover defence came across. In the final wash-up, Hampstead might have been disappointed not to have scored more points, especially switching ends at 22-0 to the good. However, Old Cats showed themselves to be worthy opponents and it will be an interesting return match later in the season. But in the immortal words of legendary Green Bay Packers coach Vince Lombardi: ‘winning isn’t everything, it’s the only thing’, and win the Hampstead ladies did. For Hampstead, hooker Sylvie Fail rolled her sleeves up and got heavily involved in the close quarter action, while tighthead prop Hannah Forbes was as solid as the rock of Gibraltar at scrum time. With straight lineout throws apparently about as high a priority for the referee as bathing is for Amy Winehouse, second rows Fleur Pijpers and Debbie Crossan didn’t have many chances to shine in the air, but busied themselves in a defensive effort that produced more big hit than the Beatles. All the backs had their moments, with plenty of decisive and incisive running and stout defence providing plenty of ‘oh sh*t’ moments for their Old Cats opposites. Flyhalf Nadine Mason ran the cutter well, proving that not only does her milkshake bring all the boys to the yard, but that she has been an invaluable addition to the Hampstead this year. With 4 league games gone this year, Hampstead’s record is 3 wins and 1 loss. A record they will be looking to improve on further when they travel to Basingstoke for their next match on November 9. | |
| HAMPSTEAD LADIES VS TEDDINGTON (19-0) – 26th October 2008 A less than sprightly start, on a very cold day, saw us playing a much changed Teddington team. Their back line however still consisted of several good runners, with the ability to mix it up well with the Hampstead defence. Hampstead immediately began by pushing deep into their half, and a beautiful switch of direction and long lofted pass by Anna Jones playing at ten saw our attack almost make it to their try line. Denied by handling errors across the park by both teams, we began again in earnest to push forward. Cathy, starting at inside centre gave both teams a consummate display in strong aggressive direct running, crashing through often. Though quick in the field, and swift to offload, we lacked decisiveness when taking penalties, allowing Teddington to reorganise at every opportunity. It wasn’t until the sixth minute that Maja sniped through the defence in a classic scrum half cheeky try, which she duly converted. Having scored though, we sat back and allowed Teddington to control the play, forcing reactionary rugby on our part, as the play continued up and down the midfield. We were certainly guilty of lacking the motivation to pick up the ball and run in some areas of the pitch, as players looked at one another instead of taking the initiative to grab loose ball. The second half started much as the first had ended, with Hampstead on the back foot and forced to reply to the Teddington effort. Much has to be said to the manner in which our defence held firm however. Good communication and some very hearty tackling saw Teddington’s efforts denied again and again. Our attacks were too lateral in response, with players impeding the 10 channel and obstructing first Maja and then Ailee’s efforts to pass away from the breakdowns. Nearing the end of time, Anna Jones broke through the line, and with constant gasps and screams from her every time she realised that they had let go of her, put down for our second, which Ella duly converted. Abi crashed through the defence and set down only a few minutes later to put the result in no doubt. Trys: Maja Melendez, Anna Jones, Abigal Kline Conv: Maja Melendez, Ella Mitchell | |
| HAMPSTEAD LADIES VS MET POLICE (39-0) – 26th October 2008 If Teddington were much changed, then it should be said that Met Police were fielding an entirely different fifteen. Our previous match had seen their reliance upon their fly half, who had taken it upon herself in that game to challenge Hampstead single handed. Due to injury she had been sidelined. Though instructions to take personal responsibility for the ball, and to take initiative on the field, it was a lacklustre half due to minor infractions that ensured that scrum after scrum took precedence. Not sure if it was down to the cold though….. Anna Jones, having spent much of the half when the ball had got away from the scrum running with it, was able to duck and dive under a half dozen tackles as she did her best impression of a slippery eel, and put down for our only try of the half. The second half was an entirely different game, as Hampstead put the opposition to the sword. The first try was entirely down to an inspired passage of play down to two individuals, Alex Bowtell and Emma Lanman. Both players offloaded several times to one another, and each time they were knocked down to the floor bounced up and continued running to give the other support. Marcella, chasing them down received the pop up a few metres from the line and touched down for what was a beautiful piece of flowing supportive rugby. Some superlative aggressive running rugby from Merrin, and my player of the day, Cathy saw us pushing them ever backwards and it was good to see Emma Lanman put down next, for her efforts at flanker. Further points by Anna, Maja and Abi saw us clinch this half easily, as we finished the match playing the sort of rugby that Hampstead loves to- fast running rugby, with swift support allowing little break in the continuity of forward play. Trys: Anna Jones, Marcella Collins, Emma Lanman, Maja Melendez, Abigal Kline Conv: Maja Melendez I am very pleased that we managed to hold both teams to nil - our defence communicating well with one another. Our sad loss comes with the departure of Merrin - a great player off on her travels. We bid her adieu and will welcome her home I’m sure with open arms. |
Majamelendez |
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