Datchworth 31 - 0 Hitchin

On a blustery day, Datchworth laid down a marker in their pursuit of the cup demolishing Hitchin in a visibly one-sided affair. A ‘double-header’ meant that this match represented both a league and Hertfordshire cup semi-final, meaning double rewards for the victor.

Datchworth came out of the blocks firing obviously determined to right a below-par performance last week. Although playing against the wind, the forwards lay a solid platform both at scrum and lineout time, allowing the backs the freedom to demonstrate some well though through moves. It was from a powerful scrum that led Datchworth to scoring their first try. On the front foot, No 8. Stuart Young made a break and the back row cleared out well. The ball found itself in Mark Holgate’s hands on the second phase, whom played a sublimely delayed pass to Sam Brunton, who in turn passed to wing James Watt to break through and score under the posts. This was followed by a quick second from Watt, whom had the making of a weak opposite number. Both tries were well converted by Scrum Half Tom Wood.

With 18 minutes on the clock, Datchworth made it three, fantastic foot work from centre Matt Winters saw him score, again expertly converted by Wood. Wood added a penalty before half time to see Datchworth go into the break with a 24-0 lead.

A slower start to the second half was apparent as Hitchin were finding their feet. A then sour 25 minute break occurred when a Hitchin player fell awkwardly at scrum time and the teams had to wait for the ambulance to arrive (no other Datchworth pitch was playable). Thankfully the player was okay. With ten minutes remaining in a slower second half, Datchworth secured the bonus point try. Hitchin tried to take a quick lineout in their own 22, only to throw it straight to Winters whom offloaded to Wood on the try line so he could score his first of the season. Wood added the extras and the final whistle soon followed.

Having secured the five league points, Datchworth now have a well earned one week break before travelling to Wasps, knowing that a cup final awaits them against either Welwyn or Fullerians.