Hat-trick for Watt as the Green Army marches on

A cold crowd were treated to an 11-try exhibition on Saturday as Datchworth came out comfortable winners against a plucky Kilburn Cosmos.

From the off the home side were on the attack; a rash clearance kick was countered well by Brunton and Bennett, sending Nick Moore up the middle. Watt was in space for a Brunton crossfield kick, but with no advantage play was brought back for a penalty. As Datchworth continued to grab territory Kilburn tried to run out of their half - resulting in the first scrum. The green pack made space after two or three phases, but prop Sam McBroom found himself in Brunton's channel with a huge overlap out wide. A calm pass to the fly half left him just enough time for a long ball out to Nolan, with Nick Moore in support - only to be bundled into touch yards short of the line.

With just under 15 minutes gone Datchworth registered their first try; winger James Watt grounding a well-timed grubber kick by Tom Bennett. Watt grabbed another ten minutes later. Stu Young made a break from the scrum and sent Walker off on the charge providing the backs with a simple overlap. Quick hands gave Watt his second in the corner for a 10-0 lead.

Kilburn fought back as Datchworth tried their luck at the breakdown - resulting in a high penalty count - but the home side defended well to keep the visitors at bay.

Datchworth's 3rd and 4th tries came in quick succession. Brunton found Bennett in space for the 1st, with Watt supporting out wide. The defence spread to cover the winger and prevent the hat-trick only for Bennett to swiftly step back inside and send Brunton in unopposed. A scrappy 5 minutes ended with Nick Moore going over for the next after a snaking run from midfield. Wood finally found the target for a 22-0 margin.

Marcus Potter, having been warned by the referee at the previous breakdown, saw yellow just before half time - and with Kilburn in control the forwards strung together at least 20 phases before crashing over for half time.

From the restart a loose ball was hacked through by Moore, only to bounce perfectly off the defender's heel into James Young's arms. The centre ran in from just outside the 22 for Datchworth's 5th and a 27-5 scoreline.

Back up to full complement the greens soon went over for another. Brunton catching a hacked through ball at pace, and running from deep made room for Bennett on his left. With one man to beat a well-timed pass gave Alex Nolan an easy run in albeit from 30 yards.

Stu Young made it 7 for the greens as the defence parted at a ruck, the number eight taking the opportunity to give a cheeky smile to his fiancée as he grounded the ball. Brunton added the extras.

Watt finally got his hat trick with 15 minutes to go. Tom Wood opted to go it alone from a scrum, beating 2 men before flinging a long pass out wide to the winger. Brunton again made the kick for 46-5.

Kilburn clawed one back after some lazy tackling, an easy score under the posts as Datchworth began to tire.

Liam "Marge" Walker had the last word however, with an unstoppable charge from the back of a lineout. The prop notched up his 6th try of the season - with only Watt having scored more - and Brunton converted for a 53-12 full time score.

A tough trip to Tabard awaits the men in green on Saturday, a win will be vital to stay in contention for a top-two finish.