London North-West Two

Hammersmith & Fulham 19-12 Hemel Hempstead

One cup and two wins is the happy start for Hammers.

Two quick-fire tries from winger Calum McKenzie saw off Hemel in the opening league match on Saturday, and before that the Middlesex Cup was also safely tucked away in Hammers trophy cabinet after a thrilling 17-13 victory over Civil Service (CS).

After trading tries in the opening quarter, the home side hit Hemel out wide with quick feet and smooth hands from fullback Will Buchanan to put McKenzie in for his first.

H&F extended their lead after the break, again through McKenzie, cutting in from his wing to dot down.

Middlesex Cup winners: H&F

Hemel hit back to dominate most of the second half, barely surrendering possession or their foothold in Hammers’ half. The visitors eventually managed to break the defensive line and cross the whitewash late on.

As a prelude to the new campaign, National Three CS were reduced to 14 men for most of the second half after their fullback was red carded for a stamp, but came within inches of crossing the whitewash in the game’s dying moments to claim the vital try.

But when CS looked almost certain to score, they knocked on, allowing Hammers to claim silverware in their first competitive match of the season.

Hammers captain James Smart said: “The boys put in a huge effort, especially in defence to close out the game. It was a great end to a tough pre-season.”

Tries by Charlie Clarence-Smith and Henry Tanner, and nerveless conversions from fullback Neil McClure made sure someone in red needs to order the Brasso.