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Belsize Park RFC 30 – 24 Datchworth RFC
Sam McBroom23 Feb 2015 - 18:47
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Promotion chasers topple visitors in a hugely entertaining try-fest
Datchworth went into Saturday’s game with Belsize Park full of confidence from two previous wins, though couldn’t make it three on the bounce as the hosts outscored them 5 tries to 4 in a pulsating encounter.
Making the trip to Regent’s Park, Datchworth had the same XV as the previous week. Belsize came out firing and found themselves 13-0 up (two tries & a penalty) within the first 10 minutes. An impressive backline cut through Datchworth, always managing to find an offload – and both wings were over the line for early tries. A penalty in front of the posts was added when Datchworth were penalised for an infringement at the breakdown.
This seemed to galvanise the visitors’ and it wasn’t long until Wing James Watt went over for the first of his three tries. Led by a dominant scrum, Datchworth marched up the field, putting some impressive phase play together that saw them move to 5 metres out. Quick offloading along the backline saw Watty over in the corner, not converted unfortunately. Soon after Watt got his second try, bounding over a ruck, catching the Belsize forwards off guard and doubling his tally, Fly Half Tom Wood converted and the score was 13-12. Datchworth and Watt had time to get their third of the half, a breakaway led by the impressive centre partnership of Adam Scanlon & Matt Winters saw the ball find itself to Watt to get his third, it should be noted that he did not by the mandatory hatrick jug however.
Chasing promotion, Belsize were never going to give the game to Datchworth and managed to get two further tries after half time. Unfortunately the fly-half of the home team wasn’t having his best kicking game thus again neither were converted, though they did now have a 1 point lead at 20-19. Not letting their heads’ drop, Datchworth then reclaimed the lead through John Scarratt, bundling over from a metre out after the forward pack, led by Stuart Young & Tom Blackwell, had bombarded the opposition line. Wood couldn’t add the extras.
It wasn’t to be for Datchworth however, 5 minutes before time Belsize stole a lineout, marched up the field and the dashing right winger was in under the posts to cap a scintillating game. Datchworth came away with two bonus points, though will be thinking it could have been more. Next week they entertain Wasps at home, 2.15pm kick-off.
Making the trip to Regent’s Park, Datchworth had the same XV as the previous week. Belsize came out firing and found themselves 13-0 up (two tries & a penalty) within the first 10 minutes. An impressive backline cut through Datchworth, always managing to find an offload – and both wings were over the line for early tries. A penalty in front of the posts was added when Datchworth were penalised for an infringement at the breakdown.
This seemed to galvanise the visitors’ and it wasn’t long until Wing James Watt went over for the first of his three tries. Led by a dominant scrum, Datchworth marched up the field, putting some impressive phase play together that saw them move to 5 metres out. Quick offloading along the backline saw Watty over in the corner, not converted unfortunately. Soon after Watt got his second try, bounding over a ruck, catching the Belsize forwards off guard and doubling his tally, Fly Half Tom Wood converted and the score was 13-12. Datchworth and Watt had time to get their third of the half, a breakaway led by the impressive centre partnership of Adam Scanlon & Matt Winters saw the ball find itself to Watt to get his third, it should be noted that he did not by the mandatory hatrick jug however.
Chasing promotion, Belsize were never going to give the game to Datchworth and managed to get two further tries after half time. Unfortunately the fly-half of the home team wasn’t having his best kicking game thus again neither were converted, though they did now have a 1 point lead at 20-19. Not letting their heads’ drop, Datchworth then reclaimed the lead through John Scarratt, bundling over from a metre out after the forward pack, led by Stuart Young & Tom Blackwell, had bombarded the opposition line. Wood couldn’t add the extras.
It wasn’t to be for Datchworth however, 5 minutes before time Belsize stole a lineout, marched up the field and the dashing right winger was in under the posts to cap a scintillating game. Datchworth came away with two bonus points, though will be thinking it could have been more. Next week they entertain Wasps at home, 2.15pm kick-off.
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