Match Report - Hackney Men's Team

The men's 1st XV finally Got their season off to a start with a friendly against Hackney RFC last Saturday.

With six new players in the squad Millwall were slow to start and conceded two early tries to a well drilled Hackney side. Despite the slow start our boys lifted their game and created a number of chances, but failed to convert possession to points.

With Hackney dominating the set piece Millwall struggled to create any continuity and relied on strong carries from Sean Russell, Andrew (not andrew Mertans) McMahon and James Eason.

Despite their efforts, Millwall's defence was caught off guard conceding a number of breakaway tries towards the end of the first half.

The second half saw Millwall dominate the scrum ( yes I did say Millwall, dominate and scrum in the same sentence), onlookers noted that new prop Shaun Cooke was a key factor in the dominant millwall scrum, however seasoned fans attributed this to the smell of alcohol from Ed Williams. Ed clearly a by product of the W.S.A ( Wiggy Academy of Scrummaging)

Millwall continued to create chances with determined play from fully clothed welsh wizard lwan Thomas and irish poster boy Finbar Dennehy. Hackey were also dazzled by Millwalls secret weapon that people call 'The GG'

As the second half progressed Millwall coach Dave Roberts made a number of changes, fresh legs lifted the intensity of the game and Miilwalls mediterranean themed back line of Manu Cendron, Bob Fish and Tom Clarke  created a try for One Direction band member Jake Vinnecombe to score in the corner.

The game concluded with a late try from Hackney to bring the score to 42-5.

In the post match interview Millwall coach Dave Roberts commented that he was glad to put his contract negotiations aside and was happy that the boys produced a spirited display.

With two weeks to go to the league opener Millwall now resume their pre season training. With this effort and more structure Millwall will be hoping to start the season on a winning note.

Tom Ronayne

(posted by Tim McDonagh for Tom)