Datch share honours with Fullerians

A brace from Sam, one from Connor Bridge and two conversions from Danny today saw us draw our latest fixture in the HML Pools. Fullerians were a strong side with big lads, but our boys matched them and stood up to them in every aspect of the game.

The fact that it took 23 minutes of the first 25 minute half tells you everything you need to know about how closely the two sides were matched. With plenty of brave tackles going in around the park, and fantastic linespeed which has been worked on extensively in training, the deadlock was finally broken by Sam who charged through from close range to take the first score. Earlier in the half, Matt was unlucky not to be able to ground an inspired loose ball steal and trademark charge for the line of his own. Full back Connor A had a good game, getting involved from deep in attack on several occasions, and the forwards were monumental in their efforts in the set piece and the breakdown too.

Keeping a clean sheet in the 1st half, and heading into the second 5-0 up, the break didn't do us any favours unfortunately, with Fullerians getting a converted try within the first minute of the restart. However, from a lineout deep in Fullerians territory, Danny took the catch and spread it out quickly to Thomas P, who shipped it out again down the line at lightning pace under intense pressure (as he was throughout the match). The ball was spread quickly and ultimately found Sam who charged through several defenders to take his second, duly converted by Danny's boot to see us go 12-7 up. For the next 10 minutes Fullerians piled on the pressure, and eventually took another 2 tries, crucially one of them unconverted to make it 12-19. It has to be said that it could have been 3 tries, bar for some brilliant defence on our own try line by what looked like the entire team, but notably Thomas P, Connor B, Callum and Josh S who doggedly refused to let them cross.

With just minutes to go, Datch gave it everything, and deep into Fullerians territory, a brilliantly angled run by Captain Connor B saw Will F pop the ball beautifully onto his blind side where nobody was going to stop Connor dab it down between the posts! Converted once again by Danny, we drew the scoreboard 19-19. Some nervous passages of play ensued as both teams fought to get the winning score in the dying seconds, but eventually the whistle blew and we shared the honours. Bearing in mind the commitment shown by both teams in both attack and defence, it was a fair result for a good morning's work.

Man of the Match declared by Captain Connor B was to be shared this week by Sam and Thomas P. Well done lads!