Finchley 23 – 18 Datchworth

Buoyed by their recent win over local rivals Welwyn, Datchworth went to Finchley in great confidence and momentum, though knew playing bogey team Finchley as always was going to be a tough, tough match.

The visitors started the brighter of the two sides, pressuring Finchley, only a quick counter attack from the hosts led to them earning a penalty in front of the posts that was duly slotted away. Datchworth hit back immediately, try machine James Watt running in from the half way line, leaving the Finchley backs in the dust. The reliable Tom Wood slotted the conversion 3-7. A further 20 minutes of brutal collisions ensued, Mark Holgate in particular putting in some huge hits. It was just before half time that Finchley took the lead, a break through the middle of the park and a strong offloading game led to their centre crossing over in the corner, not converted, giving Finchley an 8-7 lead.

The first try of the second half was always going to be imperative and it was Finchley that got it. Having kicked for the corner from a penalty, a five metre driving maul followed and Finchley scored their second try of the game, 13-7. They then followed up with an almost mirror image of their first try to put the match out of touch at 20-7. Datchworth got themselves back in to the game, an excellent individual try from Stuart Young bought them back in it and Wood slotted two penalties to make it 20-18. Finchley scored a penalty and despite a last minute bombardment of the Finchley line that saw their prop see yellow for blatant foul play, it was to no avail and Finchley ended with the spoils.

Datchworth finish the year with another local derby Saturday against Stevenage at home, 2.15pm kick off.