Datchworth 14 - 10 Fullerians

Having trounced local rivals Stevenage last week, Datchworth went into their match with Fullerians full of confidence and this was evident from the off. Fullerians, unbeaten in their opening two fixtures were always going to provide stern competition and that they did, though with Datchworth’s set piece superiority, were unable to secure the win.

The match was played in sunny conditions, Fullerians kicking off. After an initial 20 minutes of resolute defending from both sides Datchworth made the first breakthrough. Strong phase play from their own 22 led no 8. Stuart Young to break, offload to wing Craig Rowlinson who made an impressive 40 metre burst and then from quickly recycled ball, the home side starting punching it up through the middle breaking into the opponents 22. The pressure led to the visitors conceding a penalty in front of their posts, Datchworth Fly-Half Tom Wood duly knocking over the three points and putting the home side into the lead. The half remained that way, Datchworth going into the break with the lead.

Datchworth came out firing in the second half and quickly got themselves on the scoreboard. Starting to dominate the set piece, they won a penalty against the head on the Fullerians scrum, Wood kicked for the lineout five metres out. A well executed lineout move saw a catch and drive follow and left second row Paul Broadwood bundle over the line, 8-0 Datchworth. Wood couldn't add the extras, though quickly followed up with a second penalty.

Having fallen 11 points behind, Fullerians suddenly found themselves reinvigorated. Competing again at the set piece, they marched into Datchworth territory. Eventually their brute of a second row managed to get over the hosts line from a quickly taken penalty and they found themselves back in the game. Having converted, Fullerings then won a penalty in front of Datchworth's posts five minutes later and found themselves only one point behind. Datchworth managed to get another penalty (which saw Fullerians Flanker Jonno sin-binned). However, despite stern pressure in the last five minutes from Fullerians, Datchworrth came out victors. Built on a strong set piece and resolute defence (in particular second row Jamie 'Pumba' Smith and full back Matt Winters), Datchworth fully deserved their win which see's them rise to third in the table. Saturday coming see's Datchworth host newly promoted Old Merchant Taylors', 3.00pm kick off.