On a grim Saturday afternoon, Datchworth faced a stern test against Fullerians, a team that they lost to in the Hertfordshire Cup final last year. The hosts started well, building momentum in the forwards and dominating territory. Both sides exchanged a number of handling errors, the blustery & wet conditions taking their toll. Datchworth’s finally made their momentum pay, consistent infringements at the breakdown saw Fullerians give away a penalty in front of the posts that Captain Tom Wood slotted with ease.

Datchworth then got another penalty to double their lead. Full back Tom Bennett was tripped when clean through and the penalty was awarded, the hosts adamant that it should have been more. Wood again secured the penalty points and Datchworth extended their lead. Fullerians then had their hooker sin-binned for a professional foul, though Datchworth couldn’t make any pressure count and went into half time with a 6 point advantage.

Fullerians came out as expected, determined to make amends for a disappointing first half performance and that they did. They slotted an early penalty and started to turn the screw both in the scrum and at the lineout. After 55 minutes, they got their first try of the game. A barrage at Datchworth’s line saw their Flanker squeeze in around the base of a maul. Datchworth came back, though couldn’t turn any pressure into points, even though it was a single score that they needed. With 5 minutes to go, Fullerians sealed the game – space out wide saw their second row bundle over the line and the fly-half added the extras. Datchworth had a late penalty kick, though it wasn’t to be and they finished the match pointless.

With a break this week, next week see’s Datchworth travel to UCS in what will definitely prove to be another tough test in what is a very competitive league this year.