Datchworth 8 – 15 Hackney

On a rainy, cold day at Datchworth, the hosts were looking to preserve their unbeaten home record against Hackney. Hackney, one place above Datchworth, were firmly in second place though if Datchworth won, it’d see them leapfrog Hackney into the all-important second spot. A game played in good spirits, it was Datchworth that took the lead after five minutes. An impressive home scrum wheeled to the left, Scrum Half & captain Tom Wood picked and went, managed to avoid three tackles and get the ball over the whitewash, unfortunately he couldn’t add the extras. Hackney appeased for their slow start, working their way up the pitch with good one out running. A lack of discipline also saw them make easy ground. Datchworth eventually conceded in front of the posts, centre Alex Nolan the perpetrator, adjudged to have turned the ball over whilst off his feet. The Hackney 10 slotted the penalty to make the score 5-3. The ensuing 20 minutes saw nothing of note, both teams playing to the conditions and playing sensible rugby. Just before the half however, there was a yellow card – Datchworth centre Alex Nolan sin-binned for his third penalty at the breakdown – many on the side line felt it a dubious decision.

Thankfully, the second half provided a bit more excitement. It was Datchworth that scored first, prop Sam McBroom with a barraging run, which led to ill-discipline at the breakdown from Hackney, Wood scored the points to increase the lead. Hackney then scored the first of their two tries. Consistent pressure from the forwards was working well and they marched into the Datchworth 22. They then won a penalty and catching Datchworth off guard, tapped & went and managed to squeeze over the line, the conversion couldn’t be added. They then scored a second soon after, having defended resolutely, Hackney managed to sneak through by the ruck and double their try count, this time with the added conversion.

Datchworth then again found themselves defending as Hackney took the game to them. One period saw Datchworth on their line, with over 20 phases of play and spectacular defence, before Hackney knocked on & Datchworth could turn the ball over. Doing so, over the next ten minutes they worked their way into the Hackney 22. With 5 minutes on the clock, they won a penalty & went for a scrum. Marching the scrum up the pitch, Hackney span it & Datchworth were given another penalty. They did the same again, as did Hackney which led to a third penalty on the last play of the game. Datchworth again opted for the dominant power of their scrum, again got the march on and again the scrum went down. The referee determined that there was no foul play, Hackney turned the ball over and kicked out for the all-important four points.

Not to be downbeat, Datchworth put in a resolute performance, secured the bonus point & are only 4 points off the promotion slots. Too many penalties and a weaker kicking game ultimately led to their downfall, in combination with a disciplined, focused performance from Hackney. An honourable mention too goes to Tom Bennett for lasting the full 80 minutes. Next week they play Hemel Hempstead away.