Datch U14's lose out to a strong Letchworth side

After a welcome week of training, where Pitsi helped put the team through it's paces on defence, the Datchworth U14's turned their attentions to a match with Letchworth. After meeting them in the final of the County Shield last season, and losing a close game 2 tries to 1, we wanted to test ourselves against stronger opposition again. Just as when we payed Hertford A we knew this would be tough and this was confirmed when we found out pre match that whilst we had been moved from Pool E to D this season they had moved up to Pool B!

The game started well with Danny showing he has been listening by shaping to kick to the side with Letchworth's strongest runner and then switching to the far side with good support runners. For the next 10 minutes though all the defensive work we'd done seemed to evaporate and Letchworth's direct running, slick hands and movIng the ball wide delivered 2 well executed tries, although no conversions. Whilst we continued to struggle for either territory or possession the tackles started to be made with some thumping hits from Sam and text book tackles from Will G, Will F, Spencer and Freddie. Another Letchworth try soon followed though and it started to look like the Pool B level of play was beyond us.

After a period of executing the basic skills well a penalty led to a 5 metre scrum to Datchworth. The set piece operated well all day, credit to those in the pack who do the hard work often with less recognition (Josh, Benji, Thomas, Luke, George and Callum.). A strong shove allowed Thomas P to put the ball on a plate for Connor B who came screaming off the blindside wing and through 3 would be tacklers to score. A well worked move and with the sure boot of Danny we were suddenly back in the game at 15-7.

Half time saw a pack shuffle with Josh B injured and for most of the half we continued to hold our own against what was clearly a skillful team. Tackles were made, set piece secured and passes started to stick. As the half wore on though fatigue started to play a part and the quality backs for Letchworth managed 2 more tries. The most notable events of the second half all involved the eventual man of the match. Spencer suddenly found a level of physicality we haven't seen before and was hurtling in to groups of 2 or 3 tacklers who struggled to contain him. We normally applaud Spencer for his calm distribution and running lines but he showed a new side of himself against Letchworth and captain Paine rightly rewarded him.

When the final whistle blew emotions were mixed. We had competed well with a team playing 2 pools above us and should be proud of that. But we also stopped doing some of the basics, so we know where the focus will be in training. Lots to learn from this, for players and coaches, but then that is what we wanted when we sought out these tougher fixtures.

Matt