Harpenden 19 - Datchworth 22

Datchworth got their new season off to a flyer, coming from behind to beat Harpenden who actually play a league above them. It was the hosts that scored first, continued pressure and a quick off loading game, combined with ill-discipline from Datchworth, saw their number 8 bundle over in the corner, not converted.

Datchworth hit back soon after. A dominant scrum saw Datchworth move into the hosts half when they soon broke through the Harpenden line. Two strong off loads saw centre Matt Winters two yards out and he managed to get the ball down, captain Tom Wood could not add the extras. Datchworth followed up with a second try, debutant Alex Nolan scoring the first of a brace, this time converted. There was still time for flanker Billy Gatfield to get sin binned before half time for some handbags at the breakdown.

Harpenden hit straight back after half time with a converted try, then immediately after Datchworth were awarded a penalty for an infringement that scrum half Wood knocked over. Datchworth's No 8. Henry Mountain was soon after sin binned for a horrendously late tackle. This then gave the hosts the upper hand, initially withstanding a barrage of pressure, the defence cracked as harpenden's fly half danced through the visitor's defence to give Harpenden their third try and following the conversion, a 4 point lead.

With 15 minutes left Datchworth did all they could in search of their third try and it looked like it would come to nothing when Harpenden had a scrum on the 80th minute, all they had to do was see the ball out. Unfortunately for them, the Datchworth front row had other ideas and walked right through them, allowing Datchworth to have the put in. From the following scrum, Datchworth won a penalty - centre Alex Nolan tapped and went, avoided three defenders and dived over the Harpenden line to secure victory for the underdogs. A great start to the season for Datchworth who's first league game is on September 19th, at home to local rivals Hitchin.