WHAT'S HAPPENING WITH THE HACKNEY BULLS?

​SUMMER BREAK!
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Hackney has now broken up for the summer - the offseason taking place from the end of May. We will be back at Spring Hill the first Sunday in September from 10am. 

Interested in joining us then? Have questions? Want to receive the club newsletter to keep you updated of any developments over the summer? Register with the club and we'll get that sorted out for you pronto.

Welcome to the Hackney Bulls!
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Hackney RFC Juniors train at Spring Hill on Sundays from 10am. With teams from U6s up to U17s, boys and girls, there's a game for anybody who wants it. Too old to be called a junior? Want to dust off your rugby boots and ancient mouthguard? Check out the adult club. Either way - there's something for everyone!

Now that you're here - what do you need to know?

If you're a new or interested player/parent - Genevieve should be your first port of call. She is our membership secretary and will answer any questions you have.

Register with the club here.

Not sure and want to give it a try? Every new member gets a six week free trial to come and get a taste of what's on offer.

There are oodles of pages and information on the sidebar to your left. These will help guide your way through the sport of rugby and the ethos and running of our club. 

Volunteers

Unlike most clubs, we are a registered charity and everything that we do - from coaching, community outreach, fixtures, membership, communications and the humble cafe are volunteers based. We are always shorthanded and would love to hear from you if you feel like you can offer your services in any way. In particular, we would love to hear from anyone with:
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- website building experience
- tea making and bacon butty skills

​@hackney_bulls

M​atch reports

U10S GET TO GRIPS WITH SCRUMS
COACH: ANDY MUSCAT

Hackney Bulls U10s travelled to Epping Upper Clapton RFC on Sunday 24th September - the first time we have played against this club. We were thrilled to learn that their club used to be based at Spring Hill moving to their current location in 1933! They had some excellent photos and memorabilia in their Clubhouse.

We had 13 players on the day - enough for one side with five players providing rolling substitutions.  We played two very competitive matches against their well drilled squad with each game being decided by a try or less. We then played a match amongst ourselves with two teams of six and seven players with turnovers enforced on players not running forward.

Given we are introducing a raft of new rules / game play this season (three man scrums,  rucks, mauls and being able to rip the ball in the tackle) our guys acquitted themselves admirably. It was pleasing to see good straight running, stout & resolute defence and teamwork.  Our off load game was particularly strong. 

The referee made a point of complimenting us on the discipline shown with no moaning or talking back to him - he was very pleased with the style and manner of play we put on!

We look forward to welcoming Epping Upper Clapton RFC back to their original home ground in November!! 
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U17S BATTLE VERSUS WOODFORD
COACH: MORGAN WHITLOCK

Hackney 52 - Woodford 57
A game of two halves is the cliche. This was one of four quarters. For the first 20 minutes Hackney floundered, paying the price for a warm-up hindered by some pretty late arrivals and perhaps a lack of self belief. Woodford's elusive fly half and strong ball carriers saw them run up an early lead. But slowly Hackney stirred. Strong carries around the fringe from scrum half Charlie Parker and hooker Spencer Elliot created the platform and centres Jake Mowat and Marco Mboglem began to profit form the space that created wider out. As half time approached Samuel Spendlove finished a strong phase of play with a huge carry, taking several Woodford players over the line with him and the game was alive. 

The second half began as the first half had, with Woodford showing more composure, capitalising on Hackney's handling errors and scoring from broken field, aided by a deliberate knock on and 5 minutes with 14 men for Hackney. With 20 minutes to go the visitors led 45 - 30 and the game looked beyond Hackney. But again Jake and Marco began to beat tired defenders at will. Woodford scored again, but Hackney were now in the ascendancy and the visitors discipline collapsed. With little more than a minute left Hackney scored and led by 2. Could they hold on? Unfortunately not. From the re-start Hackney made a handling error, and from the resulting scrum Woodford were able to score under the posts and secure the game with the final play of the game. 

A brilliant effort from the side, who showed great heart and determination and some real attacking flair. The structure and defensive organisation was ignored by both sides, making for a thrilling game and giving Hackney plenty to work on in the coming weeks.

U7S PLAY THEIR FIRST EVER FIXTURE!
COACHES: JOEL ROXBURGH & MATT BROTHERHOOD

Big thanks to all for making it up to Wanstead! Massively proud of all the kids for an excellent performance, great teamwork, and with nary a tear in sight... overall a successful first fixture!