Datch start with a win

Hampstead 12 Datch 17

First game of the season, but Datch came out of the blocks at full pace. We played almost all the first half in the opposition half and 22 - and were unlucky to only be 10-0 up at half time. It was heartening to see us so competitive at the breakdown and stringing so many phases of play together. Hampstead couldn't cope with our aggressive rucking and inevitably gaps started to open up; Brandon going over first for a great score with a devastatingly quick finish. The second try was a result of superb continuity; we counted six or maybe seven phases, gaining ground with each one - finished powerfully by Kieran from five yards out. It was a great first half with every player on the pitch performing at a level they can be really proud of so early in the season. Both Finn and Tom got their hands on the ball on the wings and made excellent ground - Finn was unlucky not to go over for a score after a darting run. Special mention to Tom for his direct running and, importantly, his ball retention in contact, a real improvement in his game. Nick at 9 kept the game well marshalled, linking well with forwards in attacking channels and creating space for our quick men on the blind side with lightning breaks from the base of the breakdown.

Perhaps inevitably Datch couldn't carry the same intensity into the first part of the second half and some (rare) missed tackles in midfield and more aggression from Hampstead at the breakdown resulted in two quick scores against us. But Datch showed superb character to come back into the game. Fierce, driving tackling from Paddy and direct running from Ben and Elliot kept us going forward - and a highlight was a bullocking run from Josh that made us 40 metres - with Hampstead players clinging to him - a carry that Billy Vinupola would have been proud of. Daniel moved to the wing and was solid in attack and defence, Oscar was highly effective breaking from the base of the scrum and Ollie T was strong in an unfamiliar position of outside centre, ripping the ball from Hampstead players more than once. Harry had an excellent game at full back, linking well with the back line, solid under kicks and dependable in the tackle. Star of the show in the second half, though, was Rhys at inside centre. Two or three early scything runs showed was he is capable of and he showed superb balance, speed and power to exploit the smallest of gaps to go over for the try of the match - duly converted by Harry. And in defence he was a revelation; more than one Hampstead player will be nursing bruises this evening from his hits.

Watertight defence for the last five minutes saw Datch hold on for a richly deserved win and a performance for the entire team to be proud of.