Datchworth 18 London New Zealand 0 Relegated Datchworth upset the formbook to shut out high-flying London New Zealand. With the wind and rain not letting up, Datchworth utilised the weather by keeping the ball compact and game-play tight throughout the 80

Datchworth 18 London New Zealand 0

Relegated Datchworth upset the formbook to shut out high-flying London New Zealand.

With the wind and rain not letting up, Datchworth utilised the weather by keeping the ball compact and game-play tight throughout the 80 minutes.

Danny Horne scored the opening try under the posts with Alan Cartmell adding the conversion.

The half ended with Datchworth only 7-0 up despite their dominance.

The second half, however, saw the villagers playing downhill and with the wind at their backs.

The Kiwis started to lose their discipline. In a game that saw the New Zealanders receive both yellow and red cards, they started to give away penalties.

Cartmell secured another three points for Datchworth after some more illegal defending by the London side.

Substitute winger Chris Essam raced to the line and put the ball down in the corner to secure another five points for the villagers.

Youngster Tom Wood then added a drop goal from in front of the posts.

The entire Datchworth outfit were excellent throughout and in particular at the scrum and lineout, but special credit must go to Rob Botterman who led the pack superbly.

Prop Andrew Lloyd made his first XV debut in style, causing the opposition constant trouble at the scrums.