London New Zealand 22 - 23 Datchworth

Following a month of strong performances, Datchworth travelled into London knowing they faced a tough test against London New Zealand (LNZ). Datchworth started strong and after only a few minutes a well worked move meant Henry Mountain was able to crash through and score under the posts to give the green and blues an early lead.

However the Kiwis were not willing to let Datchworth get a hold on the game and from the restart pilled on the pressure. A handling error near the halfway line meant LNZ gained possession and were able to show their impressive offloading game to take them into the opponent’s 22. Illegal play by the Datchworth defence led to a penalty that was knocked over by the LNZ kicker making the score 7-3. Again from the restart LNZ were using their offloads to pick the Datchworth defence apart which eventually led to a breakaway try by the LNZ winger. The Converted try left the score at 10-7.

Datchworth rallied and were able to keep the ball long enough to work their way into LNZ’s 22 and some strong carrying, by the forwards, led to a very dodgy drop goal by Tom Wood that scraped over. With the score now level at 10-10 Datchworth were starting to put the phases together. However Datchworth thought they could play like the New Zealanders and kept attempting stupid offloads that gave LNZ the advantage. A resultant turnover lead to LNZ working their way into Datchworth’s 22 and scorning a converted try. This left Datchworth trailing at half time with the score 17-10.

Playing the New Zealanders at their own game was never going to work for the Village side, Datchworth therefore emerged with a more direct game, holding on to possession and using their midfield to crash though the LNZ defence. This new approach paid off and Datchworth were quickly able to notch up two penalties making it a one point game at 17-16.

Chasing the lead, Datchworth camped in the LNZ 22 but were not able to break through the strong LNZ defence to take the lead. With 10 minutes to go Datchworth had a lineout on the LNZ 5 meter line. After being dominant in the line out and stronger in th mauls, this looked like the best opportunity to take the lead. However LNZ spoiled the lineout meaning the ball was shipped out to the backs and a miscommunication meant the ball was knocked on. LNZ took their advantage and again their winger broke through for a length of the field score. Importantly for Datch the conversion was missed.

With around 5 minutes to go and trailing by 6 Datchworth knew they had to score a converted try. A scrum on the LNZ 5 meter line gave Matthew Francis the opportunity to pick from the base and drive over the line to score. A pressure conversion by Tom Wood meant Datchworth finally went back into the lead with a couple minutes of the game remaining. With the Last play of the game LNZ had were trying to lay their way up the field but pressure from Datch meant the LNZ centre was forced to kick giving Datchworth the opportunity to end the game and make it four wins in a row.

Datchworth play Hitchin at home next week in a local derby.

Match report written by Tom Wood.