Datchworth U14's beat Chess Valley 22-5

A wicked wind but blue skies greeted the boys on Sunday as they took to the first team pitch for their encounter against Rickmansworth rivals Chess Valley. Our previous encounters at U12 have been relatively tight affairs, but this was the first time in 18 months we have come against them, and like all of the boys they have grown physically and in numbers, with a big squad with plenty of subs pitted against our bare minimum squad numbers.

Connor B got the scoreboard going after 6 minutes of play with a fine try started by a set move off the lineout with Sam receiving the ball and driving through the Chess Valley defence before popping it up for Connor to finish it off superbly with his flying feet. The wind made it virtually impossible to stand up, let alone for Spencer to kick a conversion into it, so even though his line was perfect, the scoreboard stayed at 5-0 as the ball got pushed backward.

The forwards were on fire driving Chess Valley scrums off the ball, and rucking over time after time to set up good quick ball for the backs. However, a Chess Valley break after 13 minutes should have seen them draw level under the posts, but yet again Connor B’s speed and tenacity to hunt his prey down resulted in an awesome try saving tackle just metres from the posts. A little later it was Datch again who showed some great moves with Josh B charging down the centre before popping the ball to Josh S who made yards of his own before popping to Callum, who put it down in the corner after charging through several defenders. The wind once again took its toll on the conversion attempt, and we headed into half time 10-0 to the good.

The second half continued in the same vein, with Datchworth dominating Chess Valley in the scrum. Another win against the head saw Freddy able to steal the ball out to Josh S who once again charged through several defenders before passing out the back to Connor B whose speed took him up the wing to make it 15-0. This time Spencer had the wind behind him, and he slotted it beautifully to take us 17-0 to the good. A Chess Valley move 5 minutes from time saw one of their quick lads break some tackles and hare around the corner of the ruck to score in the corner making it 17-5 with their missed conversion. With just a minute to go, Datch once again showed their strength, power and skills seeing Josh S drive into the corner for our 4th try of the morning. A swirling gusty wind made it difficult even to balance the ball on the tee, and so the game ended a convincing 22-5 win for the boys in green.

It was a determined effort from the whole team on the day. The power of the pack was evident with their fine scrummaging, but the sheer level of tackling, rucking, passing and powerful running on display from each and every player today made it a pleasure to watch, and the sideline crowd played their part too with excellent support and encouragement.