Don't be misled by the scoreline

Datchworth have been playing as a unit for over three years and, allegedly, have a number of players that could and should be playing for the 1st XV. A hastily assembled BE side defended heroically, throughout the match, but their inability to get first phase ball eventually told.

In the first half, despite Datchworth's territorial and possession dominance (about 1 minute only was spent in their own half) the scores remained 0-0 and Datchworth were becoming concerned about ever getting over the BE try line. Tackles were coming in from all areas but specific menention must go to Rod Meclannen, debutant Olly Golden, Dave Daly and Phanos Louca. BE were already up against it and were not helped by a very late off-the-ball hit on Karl Laing who injured his back - although he returned, later, it left BE without one of the team at full strength. The second half continued in much the same way with BE defending, eventually brokn with a converted try under the posts. BE then turned to even greater effort and fantastic tackling was combined with canny poaching, led by George Goucher, in the pack, and Haidar Maliki in the backs. Eventually, Dave Blomiley was put into space but unable to find support for a try: he was caught just two metres short of a try. This was DB's last movement as his nose was broken and he was forced to go off to hospital.

With BE effectively down to 13.5 men, Datchworth ran in more tries. This was unfortunate for BE put up a great defensive effort. Man of the match was OLLY GOLDEN.

Ed