Hampton First XV complete remarkable comeback to beat KCS Wimbledon 22-19 in the National Cup

By Will Squire

Hampton First XV began their National Cup campaign well with a home win against KCS Wimbledon in the second round of the National Cup, following a bye in the first round. The local side gave a good account of themselves, but it was Hampton who would come out victorious in a tightly contested 22-19 win.

The visitors started positively, using their handling effectively to touchdown for a try on the wing within the first five minutes of the game. KCS continued to pressure Hampton, dominating possession early on.

Continued pressure forced forced the home side to concede a penalty, fortunately for Hampton, KCS’s number 9 failed to convert the kick. Hampton remained 5-0 down.

Hampton’s steadfast defence absorbed the onslaught and with time, gradually worked their way up the pitch with a mix of tactical kicking and heavy carries, especially from Tom Massey. Eventually, the team were rewarded for their efforts when Will Wallace bundled over from 2m to level the score. Unfortunately, the upright denied Hampton from making the conversion and the half ended all-square.

Hampton came out strongly after the break, with fly-half Tim Wright converting a penalty to give Hampton a narrow 3-point lead.

However, their lead was short-lived as missed tackles allowed KCS to slide in from a 2-on-1. Another quick try from a maul followed. For Hampton, now 19-8 down, the prospect of a third-round tie seemed to be slipping away.

Captain Joe Cornell gave Hampton hope as he finished a well-worked try, dotting the ball down in between the posts, but the score was still 19-15 in favour of the visitors.

With only five minutes left, Hampton would need a try to win.

Hampton won a lineout from ten metres out. Opting to maul, the forwards drove hard, and Wallace scored over the line. Wright converted the try taking Hampton three points ahead.

As the final whistle blew, Hampton First XV celebrated a remarkable comeback: overcoming an eleven-point deficit in the second half to win 22-19. With this win, the First VX progress to the third round of the National Cup, drawn to face Epsom away – a strong challenge for this Hampton side.

Tries: Will Wallace (2), Joe Cornell (1) Cons: Tim Wright (2) Pens: Tim Wright (1)