Datchworth slip up again in final seconds

In what was a tough encounter between two fairly evenly matched sides, Datchworth managed to throw it away in the dying moments for the second time this term.

Datchworth started the stronger of the two sides, immediately rumbling upfield and camping out in the visitors’ 22. Kilburn counter attacked through their speedy full-back, but stout defending from Sam Davies and fly half Richard Mills saw possession return to the greens who pushed forward once more.

For the majority of the first half the teams exchanged blows on the halfway line, Kilburn looking to target the fringes and midfield, and Datchworth trying to spread the ball wide. When either side looked to make a breakthrough possession was soon lost in contact and the clearance kick duly made. Brunton and Mills for Datchworth being especially wary – for the most part – of giving Kilburn’s full back any space to run. With little action other than around the breakdown for the first half hour, Kilburn had a shot at goal from a penalty in front of the posts to try and break the deadlock – somehow the kick was sliced wide.

The visitors were the first on the scoresheet, when a kick for territory found hands rather than touch. Kilburn’s fullback cut a good angle from deep in his own half, breaking three tackles as he made his break on the left wing. He was brought down with plenty of work still to do, but his number 8 was there in support – at full pace – to go over for the score just before half time.

Datchworth started the second half just as strong as the first and soon took the lead. Having earned themselves a 5m scrum, the front row of McBroom, Bambra and Blackwell held fast giving Matt Francis clean ball to make his break. He took his man but rolled out of contact, making space for himself to get over the line. Mills was on target with the conversion – tough in the wind from 15m in – to give Datchworth a 7-5 lead.

Mills added a penalty minutes later, and Datchworth rang the changes to close out the game – Brunton moving to fly half and Grant Roe entering the fray at scrum half.

Kilburn carried on pushing for their second try, but the game looked to be in a deadlock again.

With 2 minutes of time remaining, the pressure took its toll and the number eight went over for his second. For an onlooker it seemed a 10-10 scoreline would be a fair reflection of the game.

Datchworth then made their move, looking to regain the lead with attacks through Nolan and Mills, now on the wing. The greens made their way into the visitors’ 22 and were set for a final attack - but the ball was again lost in contact, although under dubious circumstances. Kilburn now had possession back with just seconds on the clock. They spread the ball wide and broke through Datchworth’s defence, although still in their own half. With a quick offload they made space and the try was scored under the posts to give them a 17-10 lead right on the final whistle.

Next week Datchworth have no planned league or cup action but will be looking to make amends, once more, when they visit Cheshunt on the 9th December.