Bonus point win keeps Datchworth on track

Both sides came into this fixture with good form, but with differing fortunes. Datchworth's previous fixtures had mostly been low-scoring encounters - the disappointing 2-point loss to Tabard and a gritty 8:3 win at Harrow the most recent; whereas Old Streetonians would be looking to maintain their unbeaten record, averaging an impressive 37 points scored per game.

The villagers started strongly, keeping hold of the ball with strong carries from the forwards and the centre pairing of Louis Watts and Alex Nolan.

With 5 minutes gone, a defensive error gifted the home side a penalty chance in front of the posts. Sam Brunton duly stepped up to stroke the ball through for three points... but opted for a tremendous toe-punt, dragging the ball wide of the posts and under the crossbar.

The visitors soon had some possession and started to create pressure. A penalty at the breakdown gave them a good platform, and a second in quick succession put them in range and the ball was sent into touch 5m from the Datchworth line. The greens managed to steal at the lineout, with a good jump from Stu Young. Old Streetonians countered straight from the clearance, with Datchworth a little stretched, but a knock on gave them respite - and a chance to make the first rotation with Marcus Potter replacing Billy Gatfield in the back row, the latter off for treatment.

Unperturbed, Datchworth continued to attack with ball in hand and were it not for stout defending could have had a couple of early scores.

The next 5 minutes saw the visitors settle in and start to attack. With weight on their side, the green pack absorbed two dangerous rolling mauls before Streetonians tried to burst through midfield - making good use of their dangerous full back - only to be met by either Brunton, Watts or Nolan, the latter managing to spoil on a few occasions. Barry Malone, in his first appearance for the 1st XV in many years, was composed at the back and had plenty of time to deal with any kicks into the Datchworth 22. Jake Ebhodaghe cleared up any that did make it through with some fine cover tackles, complementing Young, Potter and Gatfield's big hits on the fringes – all of which were a constant throughout the 80 minutes.

With the ball back in green hands, space opened for James Watt to make a break. Looking to go wide, Brunton found Malone breaking the line before a deft offload to Sam McBroom on the crash stopped the defence from spreading, making room for a quick ball out to Watts, then Nolan on the touchline. The deadlock wasn't to be broken; the defence reacted to make the cover tackle and earn a defensive scrum.

The front row, marshaled in the middle by Tom Blackwell, summoned a huge shove and drove for the line. With the ball at Young's feet, a penalty try was awarded and with it a well deserved 7-0 lead.

Old Streetonians were straight back in attack, going wide and then testing Malone again with a chip over the top. The Irishman calmly found his touch.

Another Alex Nolan turnover caught Old Streetonians off guard, before Brunton's cross-field found Watt who tested the defence once more. It was to be the last attack of a very even half as the visitors were awarded a penalty and cleared the ball into touch.

With Nolan injured, the greens reshuffled the back line and attacked straight from kick off, but Old Streetonians countered once more and worked their way downfield. Another penalty and they were once more in an attacking position, only for a loose ball to be kicked through by Watt. Datchworth turned over the ball deep in Streetonians' half, with Jake Ebhodaghe making the first hit. Lee Waller make good yards on the crash and with space and numbers out wide the ball was knocked on after the 3rd phase. Another huge effort from the pack resulted in another turnover at the scrum, Stu Young going close from number 8. Waller took the next, falling inches short, before Nick Holland went over. Brunton redeemed himself with a sublime kick from the touchline to make it 14-0. Apparently it's all down to using the right kicking tee...

Old Streetonians were straight back from the restart, but Louis Watts took a turn making a huge hit for a turnover in the middle of the park. Quick ball found Nick Moore, now at full back, who slipped through midfield. Moore looked good to make it alone, but another great piece of defending said otherwise. James Watt took the offload and beat the last man to score under the posts. Brunton added the extras; 21-0.

The three-try cushion rallied the visitors who found another gear. Once again the fly-half and full back linked well to gain territory, resulting in a well-worked forwards try in the corner. From the restart, some extra pace and a well-timed pass helped them through a gap and round the outside man; finishing under the posts. Their 21-0 lead reduced to 21-12 in a matter of seconds, the question was raised whether Datchworth could hold their nerve for the remaining 10 minutes.

With another battle in midfield, possession changed hands twice before another Brunton crossfield bounced fortuitously into the hands of James Watt who bagged his second of the day. Brunton again made the conversion, this time from the other touchline, for a 28-12 lead.

With 5 minutes to go, the visitors had two good attacks. The first was well dealt with, Tom Blackwell squaring up his opposite number on the charge, and then an infringement - the first of many as the penalty count rose - cost Datchworth ground. With plenty of space and some quick thinking they were over in the corner. The kick looked good but hit the post, on the stroke of full time, for a 28-17 final score.

In a game that still could have gone the other way Datchworth will rightly feel deserving of the win with a solid performance in all areas, but will need to continue in the same vein if they are to close the gap any further and challenge for promotion.

Up next; Royston away, who will want to claim another scalp in their first season in London 3.