Hitchin 16 - 35 Datchworth

A cold day in Hertfordshire saw local rivals Datchworth and Hitchin meet for the first time this season. Datchworth travelled to the hedgehogs after a comfortable win last week against Old Streetonians, knowing Hitchin would be a much tougher challenge.

The usually feisty affair kicked off with Datchworth choosing to play with a strong tail wind behind them. From the off it was clear Datchworth were going to struggle to get on the right side of the referee and were consistently being penalised at the breakdown for coming off their feet. This gave Hitchin the opportunity to kick deep into the visitors half and, after a successful line out, were able to maul their way within a meter of the greens try line. Datchworth managed to hold their line and after a devastating tackle by Mark Holgate, the ball was turned over and kicked deep into the home sides half.

A fantastic chase by centres Henry Mountain and James Watt resulted in the Hitchin full back failing to make a decision and the pair turning over the ball. Sam Brunton marshalled his forwards and after 2 phases, fly half Tom Wood switched the play to the blind side. A miss pass to centre Watt gave him the outside edge on his opposite man and broke through the Hitchin line. All that was left was for Watt to draw the last man and offload to full back Grant Roe, who was brilliant all day, to score under the posts. Wood converted, 0-7.

Datch put the pressure straight back on the home side and immediately took 3 more points from the boot of Wood after the Hitchin lock came off his feet at the breakdown.

The strong wind behind Datch meant they were pinning the home side deep in the own half. Datchworth were struggling at the scrum but solid work at the back from Stuart Young was providing go forward ball. Young picked from a scrum on the edge of the Hitchin 22 and wove his way past 4 defenders before offloading to winger Adam Scanlon to score in the corner. Wood couldn't add the extra from the sideline, score 0-15.

Datch were starting to feel they had the edge over their rivals and were immediately reminded they were not going to win easily when quick recycling by the Hitchin forwards meant their winger was able to capitalise on a overlap and score in the corner. Hitchin's 10 couldn't add the extras but before half time both fly half's traded points with the boot. Half time score 8-18.

After an inspirational team talk from Datchworth coach Ian Reidolski, Datchworth came flying out the blocks and winger Craig Rawlinson capitalised on a turnover in the middle of the pitch and scored Datchworth's 3rd for the day. Wood converted, 8-25.

Datch were now in control of the game and patiently worked their way into the home sides 22. Hard work around the fringes from second row pair Paul Broadwood and Nick "Horse" Holland set up an opportunity for Wood to drop back into the pocket for the drop goal. Just as the ball came out the back of the ruck, Brunton spotted full back Roe in space and opted to to give him the ball. Roe beat his man and offloaded to Scanlon for his second try of the game. 8-32.

With the game now in the bag Datchworth relaxed and Wood added another 3 points to make sure there was no fight back from the home side. Hitchin managed a consolation try and a drop goal but the game finished 16-35.

Next week Datchworth host Wasps Amateurs with their annual fireworks display in the evening. For more information on the fireworks display, visit https://www.pitchero.com/clubs/datchworth/news/fireworks-extravaganza-on-nov-1078098.html

Written this week by Tom Wood