Datchworth 29 - 10 Hitchin

Things couldn't have gone much better for Datchworth starting the new league season victorious in their local derby. In a slow first half, there wasn't much too report apart from a barnstorming run from home prop Nick Gudgin which saw him get to within five metres of Hitchin's line, only to fall agonisingly short when he was flattened by the Hitchin full back. There were several penalties exchanged, Datchworth getting the better of them and going into half time 9-3 up, Tom Wood securing the home points.

The second half was much more interesting. Hitchin came out rejuvenated from the half and scored almost straight away. Finding a gap around the ruck, their scrum half slipped through and scored under the posts, giving Hitchin the lead once converted.

Datchworth took the lead again scoring another penalty and then followed that with the first of their three tries in the 52nd minute. Prop Sam McBroom busted through the visitors defence, evading three tackles before being caught. Quick ball allowed it to be passed wide quickly allowing wing Craig Rowlinson to finish neatly in the corner. Soon after Datchworth had a man sent to the bin, flanker Billy Gatfield adjudged to have tip tackled.

Datchworth then scored their second try to secure the game in the 73rd minute. Sam Brunton won a turnover in the midfield after a fine tackle from Flanker Marcus Potter. The ball broke to wing James Watt and he scored under the posts, which Wood converted. There was still time for a third try, centre Alex Nolan getting over the whitewash to cap a fine team performance.

Next week see's Datchworth visit Old Actonians, at an early kick off time of 1pm.