Datchworth 24 – 17 Stevenage

Having done the double over local rivals Stevenage last year, Stevenage were looking to build on an unbeaten start to the season and break their losing streak to the hosts. It wasn’t to be though as Datchworth were worth winners in a tasty grudge match.

Datchworth scored first after just five minutes of play. Receiving the ball from kick off, continual phase play from backs and forwards alike saw them march in to Stevenage’s 22. From there, fly-half Sam Brunton executed an immaculate cross field kick for wing James Watt to score in the corner. Scrum half & captain Tom Wood could not add the extras.

Stevenage looked blown away from such a quick start from Datchworth and soon conceded a penalty in their own half that Wood duly knocked over. Datchworth dominated in the scrum, pushing the visitors’ pack all over the pitch. This soon led to a second penalty opportunity that Wood scored, moving Datchworth into an 11-0 lead. This finally led to Stevenage gaining some possession and moving into the Datchworth half. Impressive play from Ian Crompton led to an incisive break from Stevenage, whom with the help of a very lucky bounce, managed to elude the Datch defence and score under the posts. Moving to half time, Datchworth had two more penalty attempts from persistent foul play at the breakdown from their opponents (which saw a back row sin binned), Wood slotted one and missed one leaving a half time score of 14-7.

Stevenage came out firing in the second half though couldn’t make any pressure count as the Datchworth tight five started to turn the screw. Datchworth then scored the next try of the game on 60 minutes, a penalty try. Stevenage collapsed continual scrums on their own five metre line, leaving an easy conversion for Wood. Stevenage then had prop Barry Cook sin-binned - as his frustration for poor scrummaging became clear as he inexcusably punched a Datchworth player.

Stevenage did manage to score again in the 75th minute, a great break away try form the backs saw them score in the corner. Datchworth went straight to the other end and Brunton secured a drop goal, giving them an unassailable 10 point lead. With the last kick of the game, Stevenage fly half scored a bonus point with a penalty in front of the posts to leave the final score 24-17.

Datchworth will be happy with their victory and making it 3 out of 3 against Stevenage since they returned to London North West 3. This Saturday sees Datchworth make the trip to Hackney Marshes to take on Old Streetonians.