Datchworth 32 – 8 Cheshunt

Having ground out a win against Harringey last week, Datchworth were seeking a much improved performance to further their push in the league. They failed to disappoint. On another excellent pitch provided by the groundsmen, Datchworth were keen to show their superiority early doors, winning most scrums and lineouts, though it was Cheshunt that went ahead. A strict referee penalised a Datchworth defender and Cheshunt slotted a penalty in front of the posts.

Datchworth retaliated with a try. Some fine forwards phase play led to winger James Watt facing a 1 on 1 which he duly took, scoring in the corner and fly half Tom Wood followed up with a touchline conversion 7-3. Wood then slotted two penalties before what could be called Datchworth’s try of the season. With a penalty advantage in their own half, centre Sam Brunton kicked across the field for winger James Watt to catch on the half way line. Watt then gassed his opposing winger, before facing a 2 v 1 against two other Cheshunt backs. Twisting, turning and stepping the defence, Watt mesmerised and finished classily in the corner to take Datchworth into half time with a 20-3 lead.

The second half opened with an early exchange of yellow cards, Datchworth’s Paul Broadwood seeing yellow for the second game running – although it appeared to be a case of mistaken identity. Cheshunt then saw red as the sin binned player immediately returned to offend again, Datchworth then took advantage of their numerical superiority. Two quick fire tries, the first from winger Tom Nesbitt-Larking then followed up by scrum half Grant Roe saw Datchworth secure the bonus point. There was still time for prop Sam McBroom to be sin binned, again a case of mistaken identity and Cheshunt took advantage, scoring a consolation try. An impressive performance by the hosts who will be looking to take their much improved game and set piece to Wasps next week.