Datchworth 10 – 28 London Nigerian

London Nigerian came to the green having only lost once all season, against Datchworth when playing in West London. The league leaders had a point to prove and that they did with an impressive second half performance.

Datchworth came out quickly as they so often do. Within five minutes they were on the scoreboard, Fly Half Sam Brunton slotting an exquisite drop goal. Datchworth scored again 10 minutes later. Excellent forward play saw the backs fling the ball out to the right wing. From there Datchworth No 8. Henry Mountain broke the opposition line, galloped forty metres and just about made the try line without getting tackled. Scrum Half tom Wood added the extras. Datchworth continued their sustained pressure, inside the opposition 22. Having been awarded three penalties in a row at scrum time, London Nigerian’s loose-head prop saw yellow for persistent infringements. A further two/three penalties ensued though Datchworth couldn’t convert the pressure to points, only achieving a missed penalty attempt. Though they still went in at the half 10-0 up.

Nigerian bounced back very quickly in the second half and proved why they’re dominating the league. Exposing a gap in the defence, they broke through and their Winger scored their first try of the game. Datchworth then kicked off, almost retained the ball though it bounced up into Nigerians’ hands and they were over for an immediate and unfortunate second. Both tried were converted and they now held the lead. Twenty minutes ticked by, Datchworth though couldn’t find the vital next score. Tiredness was kicking in and the visitors again exposed some weak defending to score under the posts. With the last play of the game, Nigerians’ had a penalty on the Datchworth five metre line, tapped quickly and bundled over, securing the bonus point victory.

Datchworth will take a lot of heart from the first half performance and will think if only they’d sustained it, they could of caused a major upset. Next week Datchworth are at home again, this time to Finchley – a team of equal league standing, 2pm kick off.