Datchworth RFC 34 – 15 Hitchin RFC

Having lost their four previous matches, Datchworth were determined to make amends Saturday and finish the season on a high. That, combined with an outside chance of relegation meant they were fired up for Saturday’s match against Hitchin. The home side welcomed back Dylan Rice for the last game of the season, with Jake Ebhodaghe making his first start on the Wing. Stalwart James Watt returned to the other Wing.

Datchworth plied the initial pressure, Second Row Nick Holland held up over the line from a quick break. That said, Datchworth couldn’t make the pressure count, despite a drop goal effort from Fly-Half Sam Brunton. Hitchin were the first to score, a rolling maul left them with a two on one out wide which was well taken. Datchworth came straight back with a score of their own. Winning a penalty 25m out, they opted to kick for touch. 15 metres out, they initiated a rolling maul that was brilliantly executed, Flanker Matt Francis getting the touch down. With the half time whistle to be blown, Hitchin made a break and their Left Wing managed to squeeze into the corner, halftime – Datchworth 5-10 Hitchin.

Datchworth scored their second try straight after the break. A kick over from Hitchin was well taken by Ebhodaghe who found Centre Alex Nolan in space. Nolan beat four defenders and powered over in the corner with a superb one handed finish, Datchworth again couldn’t add the extas. The hosts then took the lead for the first time in the match, Captain Nick Gudgin with the score from another rolling maul at lineout time. This time Full Back Richard Mills added the extras and Datchworth were 7 points up. A fantastic phase of play then ensued. A great pick & go from Francis who offloaded to Potter who then found Scrum Half Tom Wood in space, Wood passed to Nolan who passed to Watt. Watt in a two on one situation, just had to offload for the score – though went on his own and was bundled into touch. Five minutes later, Hitchin added their third, this time the Right Wing getting the points. Datchworth weren’t to be deterred however & old boy Matt Francis secured his second, Datchworth’s fourth and the score made its way to 24-15. There was still time for Mills to add a penalty and a try of his own that led Datchworth to a respectable sixth in the table.