Datchworth 9 Bank of England 23 Three Richie Howells penalties were all that Datchworth could record for the visit of bottom of the table Bank of England. In reply they conceded three tries as the urgency and solidity normally associated with the home sid

Datchworth 9 Bank of England 23

Three Richie Howells penalties were all that Datchworth could record for the visit of bottom of the table Bank of England.

In reply they conceded three tries as the urgency and solidity normally associated with the home side's defence deserted them.

Bank desperately needed the points in their fight for survival in this league and a Datchworth victory would have virtually secured their league status.

Head coach Mark Pittaccio was extremely disappointed as were all the players.

He admitted: "It had been a difficult week at the club with organisers and players away and a few bouts of flu leading to late replacements.

"But we had a team more than capable of securing a win and no one should be looking beyond their own performance as a reason for the loss.

"After a fantastic start to the year and some memorable performances against higher placed sides, this has brought us back down to earth with a serious bump.

"No team can afford to coast in this league and we need to work hard on the training field and get our attitude right before visiting Stevenage this weekend."

Datchworth's first phase did function well, securing their own entire lineout and stealing a few, but they could do nothing meaningful with the possession.

After a bright opening, the game was populated by uncharacteristic errors and poor technique around the contact area which continually gifted the initiative back to the visitors.

A five-metre scrum and a forward drive through the middle led to the first try. Ian Reid struggled to deal with a crossfield kick to the right wing which led to the second and some tidy handling created the space centre field for the third.

For short periods, Datchworth managed to get on the front foot with Tim Day at fly-half kicking for good position and the forwards driving well but some knock-ons and forward passes cost them dearly.