Grasshoppers 36 – 26 Datchworth RFC

Grasshoppers had already secured 4th place this season and backed up why with a strong home performance against Datchworth. Against the backdrop of the Sky Sports Studios, Datchworth took an early lead, prop Sam McBroom made a barraging run through the hosts defence, creating the space for wing Matt Blackwell to score out wide. Scrum-half & Captain Tom Wood couldn’t add the extras.

Grasshoppers bounced straight back with two tries of their own. Their offloading game led by the no.8 was making great inroads to the Datch defence, which led to the men in green continually scrambling in defence. It was the no.8 that got the first try, then followed up with a second from the hosts inside centre to give them a 12-5 lead. Datchworth then hit back, their dominant scrum created the space for Tom Wood to combine nicely with Tom Bennett, Wood running in under the posts unopposed. Grasshoppers still had time for one more before half time, a break away try that saw their left winger under the posts, 17-12 at half time.

It was Grasshoppers that managed to come out the livelier of the two teams at half time. Datchworth had to change things around, winger Luke Bennett had left the field as he’d split his head open, a reshuffle saw prop Kenneth Holm making his debut. Grasshoppers scored from a rolling maul from a line out and converted – 24-12. Datchworth came back again, good phase play saw space created out wide for Wing James Watt who scored his 17th league try this season, Wood converted. Grasshoppers though then went for the jugular, adding two final tries – one more to the impressive no8. And one to the fly half – a player who had not put a kick from hand out of place all game. Datchworth added a consolation through hooker Tom Blackwell, running it in from 30 metres out though it wasn’t to be and Datchworth left with a try bonus point.

With only Finchley at home remaining (the week after next), Datchworth can look at this season as progressive having increased their points scored and points conceded columns and already winning 3 more matches than last year in the league.