Greens make it three from three

A last-ditch tackle from wing Jake Ebhodaghe meant Datchworth held on to a five-point lead to beat Kilburn Cosmos, in a scrappy affair in London 3 NW.

The home side started the stronger of the two, working their way upfield with the villagers trying to defend as Kilburn attacked both narrow channels through the forwards and attempted to go wide around the midfield. Datchworth concentrated on disrupting the breakdown and gained turnover ball which Sam Brunton duly dispatched for territory each time, only for Kilburn to string together another attack.

With ten minutes gone, a loose pass gave Alex Nolan an easy turnover and a Brunton crossfield turned the Kilburn back three on their heels. Awarded a penalty, Datchworth were deep into Kilburn's half for the first time and attacked through a well-executed line out; Tom Blackwell on target. Another penalty and Nick Gudgin called for a scrum, 5m out. Stuart Young made the break to start a fine forwards move, from which he went over himself for the first score. Tom Bennett, in the absence of someone who can actually kick, added the extras.

Kilburn scored just before the half hour mark; the fly half sending runners through on his inside to punch holes before quickly moving the ball wide through the useful full back and using the extra numbers to score in the corner.

Bennett added a penalty to give Datchworth a 5-point cushion at half time.

Datchworth used their rotations well in the second half, with the back 5 and front row interchanging regularly to give fresh legs.

The green scrum, well marshaled by Grant Roe had provided a solid platform all afternoon and Datchworth had the early share of possession in the second half; Young and Mark Holgate making yards, with flanker John Simons and centre Jack McDonald popping up frequently in support. Both Alex Nolan and Tom Blackwell went over in quick succession, but twice the ball was held up by the big boys in the Kilburn pack.

Young finally broke the deadlock and grabbed his second, to make it 15-5 with 25 minutes remaining.
The greens continued the offensive and despite big runs from Mark Holgate, Marcus Potter, and Blackwell, couldn't get over for their third.

A sin-bin for Young gave the advantage to the home side as gaps started to appear, and they played the majority of the rugby for the last 15 minutes. The instant Young was due back on the field, the villagers lost Carmichael to the bin instead and Kilburn offered no respite for the defence, finally going over in the corner with Potter seeing yellow for a rash challenge.

A frantic last four minutes of play saw the greens hold on to the five point lead, with a wonderful turnover from Tom Blackwell overshadowed by Jake Ebhodaghe's last-ditch tackle. What was to be the final attack of the game saw the full back loop round the struggling Datchworth defence, clean through to score, but Ebhodaghe showed his pace to track back and bring him down just short of the line. Jack McDonald, who'd enjoyed a physical afternoon in midfield, was there to support as Kilburn gave away a penalty for not releasing. Gudgin called for a scrum, and a knock on assured full time.

A third win in as many matches puts Datchworth up to mid-table, with safety one step closer. Should they not want to rely on other results, a win against fellow relegation candidates Cheshunt on 7th April, at home, will guarantee them London 3NW rugby next season.