Datchworth Finally get the Show on the Road

Datchworth put their away day woes to bed on Saturday as they comprehensively beat Old Streetonians 33-5. Following on from their local rival victory over Stevenage, Datchworth were able to name a side with only 2 changes to the starting XV, and make the trip down to East London.

It was Old Streetonians that started the game much the stronger side. Some strong ball carrying and rucking hit Datchworth from kick off and the home side made their way into the opposition half and eventually went over in the corner to take a 5-0 lead.

Datchworth took 20 minutes to get into the game, but when they eventually made their way into the Old Street half Stuart Young picked from the base of the scrum and saw a weakness in the blind side of the home defensive, offloading to James Watt who did well to finish in the corner and level the scores. Datchworth's confidence started to grow and an almost identical try gave them the lead, with Watt doubling his tally for the game. Captain Tom Wood duly converted to make it 5-12.

Young and Watt were again at the centre of the play for Datchworth's third try of the afternoon. Fly-Half Sam Brunton chipped the ball over the back of the defence, and it was Watt who was fastest to react, kicking the ball on, before collecting and offloading to Young who scored under the posts. Wood again converted to take the score to 5-19 at the break.

Old Streetonians again started the second half the stronger side, but the Datchworth defence stayed strong to keep the home side away from their white line. Marcus Potter putting in a tackling display Thierry Dusautoir would have been proud of.

Datchworth then took the game to the home side and some effective work from their back line saw Matt Winters go over to give the villagers a 5-26 lead after Wood duly converted. Datchworth refused to give Old Street a chance of getting the scoreboard again with a period of effective recycling from their pack. Nick Holland led the front 5 with forward carrying, before captain Wood found a gap in the defence, and with quick feet, raced away from the tiring opposition to score under the posts and secure the win 5-33.

Datchworth's day was only dampened by the news stalwart Paul Broadwood sustained a fractured cheekbone, but they will look to continue their run of form next week with win against bottom of the league Hitchin, with Wood's young side looking to be ever growing in confidence.

Written by Dave Bartlett