Wimbledon had a point to prove coming into this match after the score line from the previous Hackney fixture didn’t reflect the ball in play. The team put together a well-coordinated performance, and for large part of the game, looked like they could seize a win. Unfortunately, it wasn’t to be, as Hackney won the tight contest where the margins for error were small.

Wimbledon had a well-rehearsed game plan coming into this fixture and started the match clinically. Both forwards and backs played their part, with the scrum making a massive improvement compared to the last time the two teams met. Wimbledon won multiple scrum penalties against feed which gave the backs the platform to manipulate Hackney’s defensive line to bring Wimbledon deep into the opposition 22. The first try of the game was scored by a solid pick and go effort in the corner.

However, Hackney made a resurgence in the latter stages of the half. Wimbledon fell foul off repeated offside infringements, which allowed Hackney to make their way up the field. The Dons staunchly defended their line for multiple phases, but ultimately Hackney shipped the ball out to the wings and scored in the corner to take the lead going into the break.

The second half was similarly hard fought. Hackney started the half with long periods of possession and snipes down the wing that ultimately led to the first score after the break. Neither team held dominance, as Hackney’s ball handling errors provided Wimbledon with multiple opportunities in the 22 to capitalise off of a solid scrum, but the away team’s defence held solid.

In the last 15, it looked like Hackney were pulling away with the win, but Wimbledon rallied for a late try. Sustained pressure in the forwards from pick and go’s pulled in the defence which opened up a gap in the mid field for a score.

In the end, it was just too little too late for the home side. However, heads were held high with large improvements across set piece and attacking structure from the previous game against Hackney. Wimbledon are now looking ahead to their match against Sutton and Epsom, which is set to be an entertaining fixture where old rivals meet for the final game of the season.