Datchworth 29-21 Finchley

Datchworth secured a top half finish in the league with a strong win over Finchley, a side they hadn’t beaten in 5 years. On a blustery day, Datchworth came out of the blocks firing, scrum-half Tom Short demonstrated his pace scoring a kick and chase, only for it to be disallowed for a marginal offside. This wasn’t to deter the hosts though and they scored almost immediately afterwards, no8. Stuart Young finishing off a composed move from the hosts back line.

Finchley came straight back at them, their tall second row scoring from a five metre penalty. Datchworth bounced straight back however, the hosts hugely dominant scrum saw good initial phase play from the backs as it allowed them to play on the front foot. Wing Joe Richardson then nipped in, bouncing the ball off his head in the build up to score his first try of the season (and save himself wearing a dress at this years’ dinner dance). Datchworth managed to get one more try before half time, bombarding Finchley’s try line repeatedly, Flanker Marcus Potter managed to dive over a ruck and get the ball down, leaving the score 17-7 at half time.

Datchworth then scored their fourth try and the fifth try of the game. In their own 22, James Watt managed to fly-hack the ball through, then hacked on again on the half way line, skinning the opposition winger. The ball then bounced up nicely, he gathered and ran round the full-back and in under the posts. 20 tries in 20 league appearances for James Watt this season. Even though it was under the posts, Fly-Half Wood still couldn’t add the extras though Datchworth secured the try bonus point. This seemed to kick Finchley into action and they scored two tries in quick succession to ensure a nervy finish. Both tries aptly finished by their impressive full-back.

It was indeed Datchworth that had the last laugh as they got their last first team try of the season. On his 23rd appearance this season, centre Adam Scanlon made a break with ten metres to the line and just about had the gas to get to the whitewash. Despite almost dropping the ball through sheer excitement, Adam got the ball down for what was his first try of the season. Wood added the extras. There was still time for a bit of drama as flanker Billy Gatfield was sent to the sin-bin for a bit of handbags with Finchley’s hooker.

All in all a good season for Datchworth that saw them improve their league position, bed in a number of younger players and beat local rivals Welwyn both home and away. With lot’s to build on in a talented and youthful squad, 2015/16 promises to be one of the most exciting yet.