Match report Actonians - Hackney

Actonians 1st XV came up short on Saturday in a hard-fought game against table toppers Hackney RFC on home turf.

After a steady start with both teams probing each other’s defences, Hackney had the opportunity to attack from the 5m line following a penalty. A well-executed drive took them over the line and into a 7-0 lead. Further pressure continued to lead to penalties, and Hackney pressed home the advantage with a second drive from a 5m lineout to double their lead. From the 20-minute mark, Actonians began to grow into the game with some strong carries and energetic gameplay, and were rewarded with a penalty in front of the posts. Fullback Ben Bell deftly slotted home from 30m out to put Actonians on the board.

Despite some strong defensive work from the home side, Hackney continued to push to extend their lead, and were given another chance to drive from a 5m lineout following an Actonians infringement. A side entry close to the line forced the referee to award a penalty try, taking Hackney to a 19-3 lead. A late flurry of pressure from Actonians threatened the Hackney try line, but their defence held firm and prevented any cut the deficit before half time.

Actonians started the second half brightly, with a powerful scrum providing a platform for some sustained pressure and field position. After pushing to the Hackney try line, the home side was rewarded with a try after a close-range surge from captain Fearghal Cooke. Ben Bell added the extras to bring Actonians back within 9. Hackney responded with a try of their own shortly after some powerful carries in midfield to restore their lead.

Actonians, however, refused to give up and worked hard to establish a field position with range. Some hard carries from the relentless Actonians pack put Hackney defence under pressure, allowing fly half Tom Knight to dart through a gap for a second score. Unfortunately, despite momentum behind the home team, Tom (match report author) erased his score with a bungled chip from a kick return, gifting the Hackney winger an easy try to take them clear with 10 minutes to go. Actonians couldn’t find a way through before final whistle, with game finishing 33-17.