After the shock announcement last week that 3 of our group were leaving to swell Letchworth's ranks, the boys could have been forgiven for heading into their final game of the season with their heads down, but that was absolutely not the case, and with the honour of being able to wear their new 2018/2019 kits for this friendly against Old Grammarians, they played with their heads held high, and with passion and determination to do all they could to finish the season on a high.

It started well, with our lads camped in OG's half for the first 15 minutes. One phase of play saw Josh Staddon burst through the middle and earn a penalty at the ruck, which Man of the Match Spencer beautifully kicked to the 5m line to earn us the chance to drive off the lineout. The drive was good, but so was the defence, and the ball was eventually held up at that first attempt. First blood was to be ours though, with the ball being beautifully passed first to the right wing, and then back to the left, eventually seeing Callum receive the ball with just one defender remaining. Not panicking, he stormed through his man, who valiantly clung on, but Callum popped it unselfishly out to Freddy, who was able to touch it down in the corner. A perfect conversion from Spencer saw us go 7-0 to the good.

The next score was to be OG's, as their centres burst through several missed tackles to touch down close to the posts. A missed conversion and the score was 7-5.

Not to be outdone, Datch got stuck in again, following a penalty kick by Spencer towards OG's 5m line that this time remained in play. The ball was ripped in the ensuing tackle, and Josh Staddon was able to receive and jink his way to the line for the all important score before half time. A missed conversion saw us go into the break 12-5 to the good.

The second half saw OG's turn up the pressure and they tested our defences time and time again. Eventually after ten minutes of constant pressure they popped the ball up from a ruck at close range for a crashball try, which was duly converted to take the scoreline to 12-12.

This would have been a fair result based on the two teams' gutsy performances, but Datch were to be devastated 5 minutes from the end by a wonderful individual effort by one of OG's speedsters who took the ball inside their own 22, and ran the entire length of the left wing to touch down under the posts. The try was converted, and the final score ended at 12-19 to OG's.

We welcomed Max to our playing squad today, who played his first game for us and did brilliantly showing great potential for the 2018/2019 season, including a try saving tackle on the right wing. As mentioned, Spencer was awarded man of the match for his excellent stewardship from the Fly Half position, and wonderful kicking display. Every single lad on the park deserved plaudits however, as the team spirit and sheer determination they showed was a pleasure to see. Next week we head to the Awards ceremony to close the 2017/2018 season.

Datchworth Rugby Club

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