DATCHWORTH RFC V OLD PRIORIAN RFC - 29TH JANUARY 2021

Datchworth expected a tough challenge against second-place Old Priorians and so it proved to be. The boys in green were blown away in the first twenty minutes by the opposition’s electric backs who combined brilliantly with their back row to leave Datchworth 0-29. By dint of some doughty defence, Datchworth managed to limit the damage to 0-41 at half-time.

It could have easily been a cricket score but Datchworth rallied splendidly in the second half with two well-taken tries by veteran captain, James Watt, whose fleetness of foot continues to belie his years. Young Ollie Barnes was successful with a conversion. At 12-41 midway into the second half, Datchworth had hopes of a bonus point, if not a surprise win, but it was not to be.

Priorians rallied again to score another fourteen points in the last fifteen minutes to run out winners 12-55. Nevertheless, what might have been a disaster was easily avoided and Datchworth’s predominantly young team never gave up. One try-saving tackle by Ollie Barnes in the second half was particularly memorable.

Every week there are several positives in spite of what has been a challenging season. In this game, young Dom Negri at No. 8 was again outstanding with second-row forwards John Symons and Connor Harris also to the fore. The front row struggled but kept persevering. As ever, the backs defended well and attacked cleverly when they got the opportunity, with Franco Caraleo, Ollie Barnes and George Little featuring strongly. James Watt led by example on the wing and full back Nick Moore also defended and ran with gusto.

At the end of the game, the boys in green could be very proud of their second-half performance. Another tough assignment awaits this Saturday at home to Letchworth.