Datchworth 18 - Haringey Rhinos 15

Running out onto the pitch after two defeats in a row and two blank scorecards for the village team, Datchworth needed to capitalise on the home advantage and secure a win against Haringey Rhinos.

Strong cross winds looked likely to influence game plans fro both teams as Datchworth kicked off downhill with the wind behind them. The visiting Rhinos displayed hard and straight running form the outset and took advantage of a scrappy Datchworth defence.

With Datchworth failing to utilise the wind and slope for territorial gain, Haringey pressed forward, putting the home sides back line under pressure. A couple of missed tackles resulted in two Haringey tries in the top corner, which due to a combination of distance and wind were unconverted. 10-0 to Haringey. Datchworth were able to claw back some territory and fly half Tom Wood slotted two penalties before half time leaving the score 10-6 to Haringey.

Wounded from their first half performance, Datchworth started the second half with a renewed sense of purpose, clearly responding to a stern half time talk from coach Pitzy. A couple of thundering runs from Datchworth all rounder Henry Mountain made the yards and a couple of scorching runs from Dan McGuire, followed by quick hands in the corner, culminated in the winger scoring the first try for the home side. 11-10 to Datchworth.

The home side continued their up front assault on the visitors, the forwards displaying some immense pick-and-go phase play to push Haringey back up to their try line. With the pressure on, the Rhinos succumbed, losing a player to the sin bin for killing the ball. The Datchworth pack kept the pressure on until Biggun rumbled over the Haringey line to score his much deserved try. Woody successful converted to 18 -10.

Haringey weren’t finished for the day and responded with some good territory gain and a spell of pressure on the Datchworth line. A big Haringey scrum under the posts resulted in a penalty try for the visitors, but the conversion was charged down by the unflinching Henry Mountain, leaving the score 18 -15. The home side defence held strong for the remainder of the match reflecting a huge second half performance which saw Datchworth playing with their characteristic spirit.