Datchworth (17) v Hertford (5)

Datchworth Colts 17 (5) v. (0) 5 Hertford B

Report by Icarus Bryant-Fowler.

A fantastic defensive effort from the Green Army today. I said last week that the score flattered Letchworth. To be balanced, one could well argue that the score this week flattered Datchworth. The defensive effort put in by the boys today however was absolutely fantastic. Every player on the pitch made telling tackles. Hertford must have had 70% possession and territory, but somehow the green wall held firm.

From the kick off, Hertford applied pressure and set up camp in the Datchworth half. No matter how hard Datchworth tried, they could not retain possession for enough phases to build pressure and make ground. Having said that, the defensive effort from the boys was fantastic. Hertford could never get on the front foot due to the pressure that out defence put them under. We held out and repelled wave after wave of Hertford attacks. Somehow, as the first half drew to a close, Datchworth managed to work their way up field, and on the stroke of half time scored a well worked try from a massive forward effort.

Hertford came back strongly in the second half, and once again camped themselves in the Datchworth half. Hertford manged an early second half try to level the scores, but Datchworth did not panic. Again and again the Datchworth defence held firm, and somehow managed to stop Hertford gaining any real front foot momentum. Every single player put their body on the line and made tackles and put pressure on Hertford players when they had the ball. This caused Hertford to throw some panic passes, and turn over ball at crucial stages.

The hard work that the boys have put in with Hannah over the summer began to show in the final quarter, as Datchworth slowly worked their way up field in the last 15 mins, and began to reap the rewards that our scrum dominance deserved. The result was a great wingers try when we finally got good front foot ball and spread it wide, followed on the stroke of full time by a third try when we made the best of a hole that opened up in the Hertford defence.

A great result for the Green Army, and let us keep the team spirit and positivity going forward. It was great to see a number of 1st XV players come down and support the team today, and we hope to reciprocate the support at the next home 1st XV game.

Man of the Match: Matthew, for great positive attitude, and some fantastic last ditched tackles as full back
Dick of the Day: Tom C, for being told off by the Ref for telling the ref what to do while he was running touch. As his son said ‘You were not even playing but managed to get Dick of the Day. How embarrassing!!’