After a long journey down to the Linford Christie Stadium there was some initial doubt over the fixture due to standing water rendering the London Nigerians 1st team pitch unplayable. The two captains and coaches quickly assessed an alternative pitch nearby and agreed that the match would go ahead.

From the first whistle it was clear that this was going to be a very physical confrontation between the two teams with big hits going in from both sides. London Nigerians quickly asserted themselves in the contact area putting in huge tackles and forcing Datchworth to compete hard at the breakdown.

With the Nigerians back line blocking any advance through the centre of the park the Datchworth backs were struggling to make any ground, and the Nigerian defence were soon to take their first casualty of the day after a huge dump tackle ended the afternoon of Datchworth centre Jordan Brewer.

The Nigerians were soon on the assault again and after a long period of pressure in the Datchworth 22 they finally found a way through the Datchworth defence to score their first try. The home side kept the pressure on, forcing Datchworth to defend for the majority of the first half and before the half time whistle the Nigerians scored a second try making the half time score 10-0.

Datchworth were once again forced to evaluate a wanting first half performance if they were to challenge the Nigerians in the second half. The home side carried their momentum into the second half and were soon on the attack again, making some fast breaks down the wing. But the Datchworth defence held strong and several deep kicks from Tom Wood soon started to produce some territory.

It was now the turn of the Datchworth pack to stamp their authority on the match as they utilised the slow ball to take control of the game. Some strong ball carrying from the Datchworth forwards pushed further and further into Nigerian territory and on the back foot the Nigerians began to succumb to the might of the Datchworth pack. A scrum on the five metre line gave Datchworth the opportunity to showcase their power. With the Nigerian pack on their own try line number 8 Matthew Francis picked up and dived over the line to score the first Datchworth try under a mass of Nigerian bodies.

Spirited by the turn of play Datchworth were soon back on the assualt in Nigerian territory. With Biggun and Jay Pierce demonstrating some textbook pick-and-go phase play, and some strong ball carrying from Scarratt, Francis, Bartlett and replacement centre Marchant, Datchworth pressed forward. A long period of pressure was rewarded when Scarratt went over the line to score a try in the corner, levelling the score.

With 10 minutes left to play Datchworth kept the pressure on and controlled the ball superbly up front. With the points level Tom Wood decided on a drop goal attempt from just inside the Nigerian half. The shot at goal dropped wide but Dave Bartlett was quick on the chase and with a turn of electrifying pace and opportunistic timing he managed to steal the ball from underneath the Nigerian full back and score the touch down. Woody converted while Bartlett engaged in a questionable celebration. The remaining 2 minutes of rugby were controlled solidly by Datchworth and it was left for Brian Hickey to carry the ball into touch at full time. Another great turnaround victory against a very physical Nigerian team.