In an enthralling match, the lead changed hands several times. Datchworth’s young green army matched a strong Hitchin team every step of the way. Their 18-year old right wing Logan Armstrong showed great pace and skill to score three tries and 20-year old back-rower Alex Lloyd-Williams also scored a try. Fly-half George Little chipped in with a conversion and a penalty, narrowly missing three difficult conversions from wide out. The Datchworth backs played with freedom, pace and quick hands. Apart from the occasional lapse, their defence stood firm, matching the skilful Hitchin backs with some strong tackling.

The Datchworth forwards worked hard against the bigger Hitchin pack. The line outs, rucks and mauls produced an even battle and Datchworth comfortably held their own at the scrummage.

The game could have gone either way. On another day, three of Datchworth’s kicks would have gone just inside the upright rather than just outside. On the day, Hitchin just deserved to shade it at 30-25 but the green army will look forward to evening matters up when Hitchin visit them later in the season.

Datchworth had the satisfaction of two losing points and lie 5th in their League after two matches. Support for the team was impressive and the fans are in for an exciting season. Win or lose, the team will keep us all entertained!