Datchworth Ferns put one hand on the league title this weekend with victory against Letchworth. For their final game at Tabard, they need to field a team and complete the game to seal their incredible season.

Letchworth are the side the Ferns have faced every season since being founded. Losing the first three games, sharing the spoils last season before finally coming out on top this year in both matches. There’s nothing but respect shared amongst the two teams. This season Letchworth have found themselves in a position that isn’t unusual amongst women teams. They’re struggling with injuries, motherhood and slower recruitment than preferred. But they have a core group of players that are talented enough to make every game competitive, and they certainly made the Ferns work for it today.

The Ferns kicked to open the game and Letchworth looked to get hands on the ball early, but a mispass from the homeside and lightning reactions from winger Alice Ashelby saw her dart up the right wing to score within the opening minute.

However, the early breakthrough did little to settle the Ferns. A frantic opening period followed, characterised by handling errors, missed tackles and a lack of composure from both teams. Letchworth capitalised on this disruption with a series of penalties, gaining territory and slowing the Ferns’ momentum.

When Datchworth did build phases, they looked dangerous. Powerful carries from Elliot Williams repeatedly punched holes in the defence, and it was from one such surge that the Ferns worked their way close to the line. Letchworth’s impressive ruck speed, a hallmark of their game, allowed them to disrupt at key moments and deny scoring opportunities.

The frenetic play was also affecting Letchworth. They lost a lineout deep inside their own 15 yard line which the Ferns in hindsight will be disappointed not to have capitalised on. They moved the ball quickly across the line but again handling let them down. Letchworth kicked the ball to give themselves breathing space but a fine recovery from full back Bobbie Milligan saw her zig zag half the pitch before very nearly scoring. From the scrum, Elliot pounded the ball over the line and despite pleas from Letchworth that it was held up the referee confirmed the score.

Datchworth continued to use their pace out wide, with Katie Humphreys and Alice testing the edges, but Letchworth’s defence held firm, repeatedly forcing them into touch. It took a trademark bulldozing run from Teri “the Tank” Allen, shrugging off multiple tacklers, to shift momentum and gain crucial ground.

Gradually, the Ferns began to find their rhythm. Strong forward carries combined with quicker distribution from the backs created further opportunities, but Letchworth’s determined defence ensured the score remained 12–0 at the break.

The second half began with renewed intent from the visitors. Sophia Solomon, stepping in at fly-half, initiated a powerful attacking sequence, with Megan Johnston and Williams driving the Ferns upfield. After sustained pressure and excellent support play from Albany Summers, Megan crashed over for a well-earned try.

It was perseverance from the Ferns that brought the next try. The ball started on the right with youngster Brooke Melton carrying in a penalty, it worked over to the left side of the field for Sophia to pass onto Megan who dragged a few defenders up field. This followed by typical solid carries by both Elliot and Terri. Sophia then steered the ball back to the right wing, slick passing from Megan, returning Fern Mimi Lewis and then Katie who was just short of scoring. Finally after more driving from the forwards, it was left to Teri to land the well deserved first try in her time as a Fern.

Letchworth continued to defend resolutely, particularly against the pace of Katie and Alice, who were well managed throughout. It was from an Alice breakaway that Teri grabbed the ball and looked to be powering up field for a consecutive try but Letchworth eventually managed to bring her down. After an appearance at the start of the season, it was a fond return for Mimi, back from university who secured the next try. Ignoring Coach Phil’s calls for quick hands, she found space to slip through over the try line.

There was also a welcome return for Lily Macdonald after over a year out through injury. Introduced at scrum-half, she slotted seamlessly back into the action in a reassuring performance.

A brief lapse in discipline saw the Ferns concede four quick penalties, resulting in a yellow card for Albany. Letchworth took advantage of the extra player to score their only try of the match.

Patience in breaking down Letchworth at the tryline was required, with the Ferns again working from right to left. This time it was reigning Fern of the month Edith Corkery Schless diving to the corner for the score. It was left to Megan to seal the 5-39 victory with a final try, running half the length of the field and going under the posts!

The result leaves the Ferns on the cusp of an unbeaten title-winning season, with one final challenge remaining away at Tabard, arguably their toughest opponents this year.

Regardless of next weekend’s outcome, this has been a landmark campaign. In just four seasons playing competitive rugby, the Ferns have grown from struggling to field a full side to becoming league champions, with a thriving pathway now developing from youth to senior rugby.
Huge congratulations to Phil and Lynne Solomon who have been instrumental in their dedication to the club and determination in progressing the team and also to current chair of Women and Girls section at Datchworth Alex Tyrrell.

Datchworth Rugby Chairman Warren Sullivan praised the achievement “I would like to take this opportunity to extend my heartfelt congratulations to the Ferns on their fantastic season. The dedication and hard work exhibited by the team have truly paid dividends”.

The undefeated Datchworth Ferns are champions.