Datchworth U11's too strong for Stevenage

Game 1

The first game of the morning saw us playing some lovely rugby with ball in hand. The drills from training were paying off with several passes being given only once the defender was drawn in. Powerful rugby was on display from the likes of Joshua Staddon, Aidan Pennells, Matthew Rates and Isaac Byrne, who all were driving into contact on several occasions making lots of ground for the team. Aidan in particular seemed to have the bit between his teeth and was a demon driving several players backwards in contact. We saw lots of ripping in contact too from our lads, meaning turnover ball was coming thick and fast. Spencer Bayford was on fire scoring 2 tries, one of which was through great vision to see the blind side of a ruck was not defended so he charged through the gap to score. William Field also chalked one on the board through his lovely side stepping motion, as did Isaac Byrne and William Bacon through their strong powerful charges. Final score was a 5-0 win to Datchworth.

Game 2

After a short break we mixed things up, and after a relatively slow start, began to play another exceptional game of rugby. William Field’s pace and side steps were on display again, leading to him scoring 4 lovely tries, and Joshua Staddon took 2 through some excellent rip & drive work. Tackling across the pitch was strong, noticeably with Oliver Dean really upping his game and getting in the way of the attacking players, and Max Oates putting in some excellent defensive work. Another win for Datchworth 6-1.

Game 3

The third game looked to be a different dynamic with Stevenage putting 3 unanswered tries passed us in the first half, with us finding it difficult to get much ball. Finally William Bacon broke through to get us on the score board, but another first half score by Stevenage really put us on the back foot at the break. With the second half beckoning, and with us mixing up the team again, we put on a mighty comeback both in attack and defence. Finlay Kelly, William Field and Isaac Byrne all crossed the line, but another from Stevenage meant we were still just behind. An incredible tracked run the full width and half the length of the pitch by Spencer Bayford, followed by a great tackle into touch saved us from going down another try in the far corner. In the end a loss by 5-4 in this game, but real heart and determination by all players to get back into it.

As always, many players could have been awarded the Player of the Week, but this week for his outstanding driving work, tackling and ripping throughout the games, Aidan Pennells took the trophy! Well done Aidan – keep it