Hayes bounced back from losing last week’s cup final in magnificent style by beating Ealing 22-14, to win the playoffs and promotion to Middlesex Merit Table 4. On a beautiful sunny afternoon in Twickenham Hayes were fired up and ready to give Ealing everything they had. And what a game it was. A thrilling end to end game with Hayes striking first from Andy Hughes who chased a kick and benefited from the ball bouncing over their winger’s head he then with the inside of his foot, perfectly placed the ball round the fullback and won the foot race to dive on the ball to score Hayes first try of the game, the kick was missed 5-0.
Ealing kicked off and the end to end battle continued, Ealing won a line out on the 20-meter line and mauled the Hayes pack 15meters before spreading the ball along the line and scoring! The kick was converted 5-7 to Ealing. Hayes kicked off and regained possession and continued forward, Ealing we’re defending well but Hayes were biding their time and then it came James cook off loaded to James Preston just before the try line who then powered over to score! James Cook converted 12-7 to Hayes.
Ealing upped the pressure, but the Hayes defence was holding firm and Ealing we’re getting frustrated and giving away penalties which played into Hayes’s hands. Half time came, and Hayes went in 12-7 up.

The second half got under way and Hayes took firm control of the game with fly half Mark Gardiner dictating the play and creating chances. The pack we’re getting the upper hand on their opponents, edging the scrums and winning the line outs. When Ealing did attack it was from there skilful Centre, but he was denied time and time again by Hayes own skilful centres Gareth Richards and Hayden Critchfield. Hayes back row were shutting down their opponents fast from the scrums and stopping them moving the ball about. The more Hayes controlled the game the more penalty’s Ealing gave away. James cook decided to go for the posts after a penalty was awarded and was successful in increasing the lead by 3 points to 15-7.
Hayes were relentless in attack and Ealing we’re defending for their life’s which came at a cost with their prop seeing yellow. With Ealing down to 14 Hayden Critchfield found a gap in the defence and shook of his challengers to sprint over the try line to score, James Cook converted 22-7 Hayes. Time was running out for Ealing and they were trying to pull it back and it was once again Haye’s turn to defend. A high tackle from hooker Daniel Farmer cost him a yellow card but Ealing failed to score while Hayes were down to 14 men for ten minutes. With just minutes to go Ealing got a consolation try. They took a quick kick that was converted but it was too little too late. There was just enough time to restart Hayes quickly regained possession from a line out and with 80 mins on the clock scrum half Joe Nuth kicked the ball out ending a fantastic battle. Hayes had won 22-14 and gained promotion to MMT 4. Just rewards for a long hard season. The efforts put in by everyone at the club this season has been amazing from players coaches’ supporters and owners. It’s only Hayes but we are going up.
By Wayne Palmer
MOM Mark Gardiner
DOD Daniel Farmer