Datchworth (50) v Harpenden (5)

Submitted by Icarus Bryant-Fowler

Datchworth U-14 (14) 50 v 5 (5) Harpenden B
A great result in the shield semi-final, which means we are into the final on Apr 28 at Hertford.

A great team effort from the boys today. The fact that the coaching team found it really hard to pick a Man of the Match, shows the all round team effort that the boys put in.

With one or two of the parents, I was watching both sides go through their warm ups, and we were thinking that Harpenden looked a large unit. Then we looked at our boys and thought, we have some sizable lumps as well, so this could be interesting!!. And so it proved.
In windy and difficult conditions, Datchworth deployed their forward strength to the maximum, and out muscled a determined Harpenden side. Datchworth dominated for a large proportion of the game, and drove Harpenden back and back again.

Every player made a telling tackle or a line break. Support was always on hand, and pressure was constantly applied. In the second half Harpenden just wilted under the pressure.
It cannot be understated how hard the boys worked today. it was a massive all round team effort, and really put a marker down for onward progression.

Man of the Match was Joe for his all round effort.
DOTD went to Kit for a fancy swan dive, when scoring a try. No one likes a show-off!!

Roll on finals day, and let us just not worry and play our best against whoever.