Harrow (5) v Datchworth (51)

A useful runout practise game before our first league game next weekend. Sadly Harrow have been weakened over the summer by the defection of 9 strong players to Ealing. This did adversely effect their scrum, but their backs put in a spirited and agile performance.

Both coaches agreed to play the game over 3 x 20min sessions, to allow players to be tried out in different positions and combinations. In the first period, the Datchworth scrum was so dominate, that we agreed to move to uncontested scrums to reduce the risk of injury to the front row players.

With the ball in hand Datchworth were able to punch holes through the Harrow defence, almost at will. Although Harrow did make several great tackles and forced Datchworth to move the ball. Great support play was in evidence for 6 of our 9 tries, although to be brutally honest our forwards were guilty of whiteline fever in the Harrow 22, trying to punch through when movement of the ball wide would have been the better option.

When Harrow had the ball, they moved it well through the backs and made Datchworth work hard in defence. Several great tackles were made to stifle their attack. When Harrow did camp themselves on our try line, we managed to hold them out for several phases before they manged to break through.

Overall a positive start to the new season, with plenty to work on for next week and beyond.

Man of the Match - Kit for overall effort

'Richard' of the Day - Little Jack for trying to play in boots two sizes too small and wondering why his feet hurt!!