Hackney 10 – 3 Datchworth

Datchworth couldn’t follow up last week’s impressive win over Grasshoppers, surrendering to Hackney in fairly mediocre conditions in East London. Hackney had the wind behind them in the first half and used it well. Pinning Datchworth back continually, Datch could only kick return and an impressive Hackney lineout made sure they retained the ball. After about 20 minutes, finding themselves in the Datchworth 22, the referee judged there to be illegal hands in the ruck & gave Hackney a penalty in front of the posts that they duly knocked over. A further ten minutes of not much to report was followed by the only try of the game. Again in their own 22, scrum-half & debutant Will Brian unluckily had a box kick charged down & Hackney capitalised to score. The conversion was scored and Hackney went into half time with a 10-0 lead.

Datchworth came out for the second half full of promise. The wind now blowing Datchworth’s way meant the majority of rugby was played in Hackney’s half. Datchworth though seemed to keep coming up short – a knock on, a turnover etc. would continually hinder them getting over the line. They did finally get over the whitewash in the 70th minute, full back Joe Richardson touching down, only for it to be disallowed for a forward pass. Datchworth won a penalty with the last play of the game, fly half Tom Wood knocked over to secure the bonus point.

There are lots of positives to take from Saturday’s game, including the debuts of Tom & Will Brian, a debut “welcome party” is still to be had. This Saturday sees no game, followed by a home game (and VP’s lunch) against Hemel Hempstead.