Datchworth 5 Ruislip 18 Datchworth were beaten at home by league leaders Ruislip. Playing into the elements in the first half – playing up the slope and into a strong wind – the home side struggled to get out of their own half. Excellent tackling kept the

Datchworth 5 Ruislip 18

Datchworth were beaten at home by league leaders Ruislip.

Playing into the elements in the first half - playing up the slope and into a strong wind - the home side struggled to get out of their own half.

Excellent tackling kept the visitors at bay for 20 minutes before a penalty in front of the posts was slotted by the Ruislip fly-half.

The fly-half then added a second penalty before the league leaders added a try.

Counter attacking out of defence from an up-and-under, the Ruislip full-back jinked his way through the defence before off-loading in the tackle.

The pass did look a touch forward but was deemed okay by the referee. The centre carried the ball on before putting the right winger over in the corner for the unconverted try.

Datchworth started coming back into the game as the pack maintained possession and made significant yards into the Ruislip half with some powerful rolling mauls.

Lock Paul Broadwood was able to peel off one of these mauls to set up the ruck. The ball went out right but good tackling in the centre thwarted Datchworth. The penalty was awarded but Andrew Tarsey pushed it just wide before the half-time whistle.

With the slope, the Datchworth pack were getting the upper hand in the tight and were using the maul to good effect.

Ruislip appeared to keep deliberately pulling down the advancing maul although the penalties were never awarded.

From a lineout five yards out, skipper Jamie Sinclair secured good ball at the front of the line and the maul was set up and subsequently collapsed. From the scrum the visitors were able to turn over possession and clear their lines.

With time running out, Datchworth pressed for the score, but time and again the visitors' organised defence meant they were able to clear their lines.

To add to the frustration, Ruislip added a killer blow by scoring a second try.

The ball was spread right where the gain line was broken. Possession was maintained and quick ball was spread back left for the winger to go over in the corner. Their fly-half converted from the touchline.

Undeterred the home side came back and got a consolation try.

Rob Botterman crashed the ball up the middle. Quick ball was spread left and Richie Howells was able to put winger Olu Oleneye over in the corner for the unconverted try.