Datchworth just have the edge over Cheshunt

Horrible conditions made for a dismal display for the supporters at Cheshunt, with both sides struggling to hold onto the ball for more than 2 phases.

In form Datchworth found themselves defending for the first 10 minutes following an initial charge into Cheshunt’s 22. A few mis-times exit kicks allowed Cheshunt to attack, but the men in green finally found some calm and worked upfield - with help from three penalties. Once in range Wood lined up the 4th penalty, just outside 22, and sent it straight through the middle for 0-3.

It wasn’t long before the Cheshunt fullback levelled the score with a penalty of his own.

Datchworth were trying to play a little more expansive but the piercing wind made for some interesting handling. They had a chance to go in front on 20 minutes but Wood shanked it left. Five minutes later he made amends with a decent effort for a 3 point lead.

With the contest slipping into a battle for territory Datchworth managed to help themselves to a try. From a 5m scrum, Stuart Young broke from the back and Thornton carried on the charge. James Young took the next phase, crashing through but just short. With another penalty awarded and the Cheshunt second row seeing yellow, the greens opted for another scrum. Young picked again, and with a little pirouette popped to Wood in acres of blindside space for 3-11 at halftime.

Just one change during the break; Gudgin off for Blackwell before Brunton got the second half underway.

The weather was quickly deteriorating so both sides resorted a bit of kick-tennis back and forth before Cheshunt closed the gap to 6-11.

In a last throw of the dice before conditions killed the game, Datchworth brought on maverick full back Nick Moore with a free reign to run at the Cheshunt defence who were making best use of the wind to trouble Bennett on the right touchline, making life a misery for his usually safe hands.

Cheshunt edged closer with another three before Moore made a trademark run from deep, ending with a Datch penalty as Cheshunt don’t release having collected Brunton’s kick.

Wood then had a pop at a nothing-to-lose drop goal attempt but it went dead. Cheshunt were in front of the kicker at the restart, so greens took the scrum to build phases. 3 scrums in a row took its toll on the defence and the villagers finally went over but were held up! A 4th and stronger scrum saw Walker ending up with the ball after 4 crash attempts. Wood couldn’t convert, unsurprising with no feeling in either foot, and full time couldn’t come quick enough. A solid 9-16 win for the men in green who go into the new year still 1 point behind 2nd placed Old Streetonians.