Welwyn RFC 18 – 12 Datchworth RFC

Datchworth could consider themselves unlucky having put in a sterling performance against an unbeaten Welwyn side at Hobbs Way. From kick off Welwyn showed great attacking intent and secured a penalty just one minute into the game which Full-Back Owen Doyle casually slotted over. Welwyn returned Datchworth’s kick off at pace and demonstrated a fine offloading game. After five simultaneous offloads the ball found one of Welwyn’s back row who finished over in the corner, Doyle missed the extras, 8-0 after five minutes and the game was looking ominous for the men in green.

Not to be deterred however Datchworth came storming back. Piling pressure on the hosts both in defence and attack, it soon told. Some fine phase play led to a two on one on the wing, Centre Henry Mountain drawing his man, popping to James Watt and over he went for his first of the game, Sam Brunton followed with a superbly executed conversion. Datchworth then hit Welwyn again immediately, a breakaway try following an interception from Full Back Tom Bennett led to James Watt 50 metres out with two men to beat. Dazzling footwork and a bit of gas saw the Welwyn defence left for dead and Datchworth were now up 12-8, half time.

The second half did not quite meet the levels of the first, a scrappy affair that saw the Welwyn Fly-Half sin binned for violent conduct and only a penalty in the first twenty minutes to Welwyn. Datchworth unfortunately could not make the extra man count and with ten minutes to go, Welwyn’s continual pressure led to them scoring the final try of the match, a well worked move that saw the Welwyn Hooker bundle over in the corner. Despite barraging the host’s line in the final 10 minutes, it was not to be for Datchworth who secured an admiral bonus point.

Next week see’s Datchworth at home to another local rival, Barnet.