Datchworth RFC 32 – 21 Grasshoppers RFC

Having had a rest week, Datchworth were looking to make amends following their first defeat of the season to OMT’s. Grasshoppers – one place below Datchworth, were to provide stern opposition. It was the visitors’ that took the lead, strong running from Grasshopper’s 13 saw him crash over in the corner, the fly-half with a fine kick to add the extras. Not to be deterred, Datchworth bounced straight back. Flanker Marcus Potter scoring his first of the season, diving over from the foot of a maul so low to the ground that he was impossible to stop. Scrum Half Tom Wood with the extras.

Datchworth then started to pile on the pressure and took the lead. Grasshoppers conceded a penalty in front of their posts and Captain Nick Gudgin boldly opted to go for the corner. Gudgin’s confidence was rewarded from the ensuing lineout, a well worked move saw second-row Nick ‘Horse’ Holland over in the corner and Datchworth took a 12-7 lead. Approaching half time, the see-saw game continued as Grasshoppers then scored the fourth of the game. Pouncing on a loose ball, Grasshoppers broke through the hosts defence and converted their try, sneaking into the lead. From the following restart, Datchworth kicked deep, tackled well and charged down the kick from Grasshoppers. Unfortunately the rebound fell to Grasshoppers who swerved a few tackles and found themselves in the Datch 22. Some excellent last ditch tackling from Full Back Nick Moore & Fly Half Richard Mills wasn’t enough and Grasshoppers scored a third and went in at half time 21-12 up, Datchworth kicking themselves for a few costly mistakes.

Datchworth had the wind and slope in the second half and were determined to make this count. In front of a boisterous crowd full of Vice-Presidents, the hosts didn’t want to let their support down and that they didn’t. An early try after a great break from Stuart Young bought Datchworth within two points. Barraging the visitors’ line, Grasshoppers defended resolutely and Datchworth couldn’t find their way through for the following twenty five minutes. After about 67 minutes, Datchworth won a penalty just in front of half way and fly-half Mills audaciously opted for the kick. With a howitzer of a right-boot, Mills stepped up and confidently slotted over to the surprise of many, including himself and Datchworth were in the lead. He then five minutes later kicked almost exactly the same penalty and Datchworth went four points up. With the last play of the game, centre Alex Nolan found himself on a loose ball and Datchworth secured the bonus point try sending Grasshoppers home with nothing.

A great performance and one that Datchworth are looking to build on come Saturday, when they travel to the unbeaten Hackney.