Datchworth put in by far their best performance of the season Saturday to see off a strong Finchley outfit. As always, Datchworth started hard – dominating the scrum and territory though weren’t turning the pressure into points. After 15 minutes, all changed. A comfortable lineout take from the impressive Morgan Smith at second row led to a driving maul. This created space for the backs and a clever line from fly-half Sam Brunton opened a gap into which he duly sent centre Alex Nolan. Quick ball recycled out from the returning Tom Wood to Brunton who gave full-back Tom Bennett and Wing Craig Rowlinson a 2 on 1 out wide, Bennett electing to go it alone for the score in the corner, 5-0 lead, Wood couldn’t add the extras. Datchworth soon followed up with a second, a driving lineout and the ball found its way to Hooker Tom Blackwell, who made it two tried in two games. This time Wood added the extras and the hosts started to pull away.

On the half hour mark Tom Bennett scored his second, stunning footwork & he was in under the posts, Wood converted. Datchworth then lost the excellent Stuart Young to injury, Nick Holland on in his place. Not to be deterred though, the hosts managed the bonus point try before half time, Wing James Watt finding some space out wide and finishing smartly.

The second half was all Finchley and they scored soon on after 47 minutes. Datchworth then defended on their line heroically, not allowing Finchley through, despite dropping to 14 men when Watt was adjudged to have knocked on deliberately. By the 75th minute Finchley had run out of steam and Datchworth shortly after celebrated their first win of the season against their traditional bogey team.

Saturday Datchworth travel to OMT’s, keen to build on the performance. 3pm kick off.