Hackney 3rd XV 15 - 20 Welwyn 4th XV
The mighty Gogs were in good spirits as they gathered to play their final game of the season. It had been a mixed season. There had been stark contrasting fortunes: heavy defeat to Chesham followed by a resounding victory over Fullerians; A wonderfully measured performance against Harpenden, knocking them of top spot then, a few weeks later, a humiliating defeat to Southgate. At times it seemed that Hackney's fledgling side had unravelled the mysteries of rugby forever as they annihilated Old Millhillians only to find this was a cruel illusion as bottom of the table Hampstead simply unlocked their defence.
All Hackney's previous games against Welwyn had been close. A heavy pack and a strong defensive line had won the day on both occasions. The gogs believed it was their day. It was a day they would realise their potential, a day that would show what they were capable off.
The first half did not disappoint. Hackney looked dangerous from the start, going forward with great confidence and ability across the field. Their brave ambitious play created many openings but they only succeeded in scoring twice, one penalty and a try by Will Roberts. Fortune had kept Welwyn in the game. A long clearance kick into the Spring Hill side's twenty two gave the garden city forwards their first opportunity. From a line out the Welwyn mauling machine was set in motion, the opposing pack powerless, despite rigorous efforts, to stop it, eventually a hefty chunk of the machine peeled off crashing over the try line giving Welwyn some hope for the second half.
After the break the Gogs returned to their previous form, showing their superiority across the field. The Welwyn side looked as inert as a garden suburb. A majestic line of running by John Chung cut open the defence, great support play by Henry Williams put him over near the sticks. At this stage it seemed inevitable that the trophy belonged to Hackney. Once again fortune favoured Welwyn, another disallowed try gave them hope and after a few energy sapping mauls the Gogs found themselves defending their line again. The Welwyn number eight appeared stronger fitter faster and incomprehensibly bigger as the game wore on. He quickly gathered pace from the base of scrums and mauls always compromising the Hackney defence. After scoring twice Welwyn looked a different side playing cleverly to their strengths, slowing the game down and keeping possession. Hackney's opportunities became increasingly rare. The game stopped and started, the gogs momentum and pace continually disrupted by bad handling, injury, Welwyn's renewed determination and the whistle.
The final whistle blew on a day that reflected Hackney 3's season, great promise, great talent and endeavour thwarted by big boy tactics. The Gogs will feel frustrated for a long time but despite the result it was a great performance all round. AJ decisive, strong and effective in the scrum and in contact. All the forwards worked hard and all the backs looked good. MOTM had to go to vice captain, Rob Baker, always calm, controlled the ball from the rucks and delivered good ball to the backs despite only playing scrum half twice before. Well done.