DATCHWORTH RFC 1XV 22 V 23 CHISWICK RFC - 17/09/22

On a perfect day and perfect surface it was Datchworth who gained the early advantage following some good work from Clapp and Young Datchworth were awarded a penalty and from the resulting lineout the impressive mark Livesey chipped ahead and chased down his own kick to get the ball first and Datchworth took a 5-0 lead.

It was then Chiswick who fought back, gaining a succession of penalties which was a theme that continued throughout the game, going for the line it took a try saving last gasp tackle from the returning Billy Gatfield. However gaining another penalty under the post Chiswick converted to make it 5-3.

Datchworth then went further ahead when Chiswick got penalised for some chat and Datch, dominating at scrum time, used this advantage to get good field position and when scrum-half Little broke left and fed James Watt on the wing finished strongly to make it 10-3.

The penalties against Datchworth continued and it was the Datchworth lineout that managed to keep the visitors at bay. Still, ultimately the penalty pressure told with Negri getting a yellow card. Another penalty to the corner gave Chiswick the opportunity to set up a driving maul which they scored from making it 10 -8.

Chiswick continued to put pressure on Datchworth from the flow of penalties yet Datchworth’s defence was solid with Young, Barnes and Gatfield keeping the visitors to minimal gains although they did look like scoring in the corner until Wilson sped across the field for another try-saving tackle to get to half-time 10-8 ahead.

Into the second half and Datchworth again went out in front after a great lineout drive the backs showed their potential with some good hands sending Wilson sprinting down the right wing and scoring under the posts. Sadly for Datchworth the ever-impressive Nick Moore picked up an injury under pressure and it was a Chiswick, from a scrum penalty, who cut the lead to 17-11 with the penalty kick.

Again Datchworth regained the advantage after a penalty it was Watt who kicked for the corner to apply pressure then from a scrum Negri, playing 8 for the injured captain, drove over from the back to make it 22-11.

Chiswick then using the wind to their advantage turned the tide of the game with a try from a lineout drive and with 12mins to go made the score 22-16.

Then the decisive moment after a speculative kick forward and Datchworth missing their fullback a cruel bounce led to the winning score which Chiswick duly converted to take the lead 23-22.

Yet it was Datchworth who almost came back yet again, nearly claiming the win with a missed penalty and then George Little held up over the line before the final whistle blew with Datchworth knowing a home win had slipped through their fingers yet picking up two bonus points.

Datchworth host Hitchin next Saturday in the first local Derby of the season.