London Nigerian 19 - 23 Datchworth

Datchworth won their second away game in a row in a tough game in West London. They took an early lead, good work at the breakdown saw Datchworth turnover the ball and make their way into Nigerian's 22. The ball was then chipped through to Winger Craig Rowlinson who nipped in front of the opposition to get the first score of the game, Scrum Half Wood couldn't convert. Datchworth soon after doubled their lead, dominating the scrum they laid a solid platform for the back line. This in turn allowed full back Joe Richardson to get his first try of the season after a great offload in the build up from Henry 'The Hands' Mountain. Wood adding the extras and five minutes later knocked over a penalty.

Nigerians weren't going down without a fight though and soon got themselves on the scoreboard. Winning a penalty in midfield they kicked for the corner, leaving them about 10 metres out. Winning the line out, Nigerians cleverly switched the point of attack for a rolling maul and strolled over the Datchworth line, 13-7. Five minutes before half time, a similar situation presented itself as Nigerians found themselves in the corner with a line out. Datchworth held their first drive at bay, though it was deemed so illegally and second row Nick Holland was sent to the bin for collapsing the maul. From the ensuing driving line out, Nigerians scored and went into half time 1 point down 13-12.

The first twenty minutes of the second half didn't see too much happen. However on the 61st minute, the impressive Stuart Young won a turnover which saw the ball find its way to prop Nick Gudgin in a two on one situation with the Nigerians full back. In a calm and composed manner, Gudgin seduced the opposition player, offloading the ball at just the right time to wing Dom Wright who ran in under the posts. Wood followed up with a penalty giving Datchworth an 11 point lead.

Not to be deterred, Nigerians scored their final try of the match, the scrum half sniping at a ruck to get the score. Nigerians scored the ensuing conversion, 23-19, & there was still time for Nigerians to get a last minute penalty. Kicking for the corner, they secured an all or nothing line out opportunity. Looking to set up their driving maul again, all they needed to do was secure the ball though it wasn't to be. Nick Holland rose imperiously to steal the ball and secure the win for Datchworth.

Next week see's Datchworth travel to Finchley where they're aiming to make it four from four, a 1pm kick off.