Datchworth rue what could have been

Despite another much-improved performance from the men in green at home to 5th-placed Old Streetonians on Saturday, they were left rueing a number of missed opportunities as they went down narrowly 27-31 in a very entertaining match.

A willingness from both teams to move the ball wide made for exciting watching. Each team scored five tries, with wingers James Watt and James Wilson finishing well after some slick running and passing by the young midfield trio of Franco Caroleo, Tom Johnson and Ollie Barnes. Vice-Captain Johnson also scored an excellent individual try under the posts after a break from the opposition 22, bullocking through a small gap before taking half the opposition pack over the try-line with him.

Not to be outdone by their backs, the forwards also scored two tries from close quarters through Jamie “Pumbaa” Smith's powerful effort from the back of a driving maul and young No. 8 Dom Negri. Once again the forwards worked hard and successfully at the scrums, rucks and line-outs.

Unfortunately, although Datchworth generally defended well, there were two periods in the second half when their defense went AWOL. Having reached half-time only two points behind at 10-12 and with two opposition players in the sin bin, they took their eye off the ball to concede two tries within minutes of the second half starting. 10-24 soon became 10-31; but this predominantly young team is quickly developing resilience and grit and bounced back to 27-31. In the last five minutes of the game, despite being camped in the opposition 22, Datchworth could not get over the line because of some excellent defense by Streetonians. All in all, a great game between two teams who came to play attractive rugby.

Although Datchworth did not make the best of a number of try-scoring opportunities in the first-half and missed four conversions out of five, they will again take heart from the progress they are making each week. The two bonus points they earned on Saturday keep them above Hackney and level on points with Hampstead. They are more than capable of holding their own in London 2 North West.