Datchworth First XV lost to a strong Chiswick, who outperformed the visitors in the first half. The villagers improved in the second half and Tom Bennett went over for his first try for the First XV. But this wasn t enough and the 37-15 reflected the host

Datchworth First XV lost to a strong Chiswick, who outperformed the visitors in the first half. The villagers improved in the second half and Tom Bennett went over for his first try for the First XV. But this wasn't enough and the 37-15 reflected the hosts' dominance.

Datchworth Under 15s were at home for their second league fixture of the season. Coming off a strong win against Old Albanians 'B' team they were looking to continue in their winning ways. They were facing Ruislip 'B' and due to some injuries and illness had to call on the assistance of the U14 squad to lend a couple of players. The two U14 players rose to the challenge and made a huge difference to the under strength older side.

Both sides struggled to take control of the game at the start and although Datchworth looked the stronger team, they failed to capitalise on having the majority of the possession.

Playing uphill in the first half Datchworth's first points of the game started from a quick penalty taken in the middle of the pitch by the captain Matt Clark.

He took the ball forward crashing through the Ruislip defence. Some good support from the Datchworth pack saw the ball won in the subsequent ruck and a quick ball out to the backs saw the ball passed down the line. Both U14 players Tom Tinner and Harry Knowles were playing crucial roles. Harry drew in the Ruislip defence and Datchworth's number 8, Paul Taylor, popped up on the wing to run the ball into the corner.

Datchworth's second try came soon after the restart. The Datchworth pack pushed strongly into the Ruislip half rucking well and sucking in their defence. Datchworth won it back and some quick passing got the ball out to Harry Knowles, playing in support on the opposite wing, and he went over just to the left of the uprights.

Despite a knock-on at the restart Datchworth were soon back on the scoreboard. Some strong running from James Hankin and Paul Taylor put the Ruislip defence under pressure and Datchworth won the ball at the ruck. Joe Vinall at scrum-half was in quickly and the ball was passed down the line to Tom Tinner, who finished well.

Ruislip came back strongly and scored the first of two tries to keep Datchworth working hard for a win. Tom Tinner was soon back on the scoresheet after Datchworth's full-back, Dom Bateman, started a move on the half-way line from a Ruislip clearance. He took a great catch from a high ball and ran the ball to their left, stretching the defence.

Ian Bugg, playing at centre, took it on and popped it up to Tom Tinner who ran in low and strong for his second try.

Ruislip came straight back and scored a well earned try just before the half time whistle.

The Datchworth pack started to work hard in the second half and put the Ruislip defence under some real pressure. Another try for Paul Taylor, the No.8, saw the Datchworth forwards working well together with Oli Hayes, at prop taking the ball up to the try line and then popping it up for Paul to crash over.

Oli Hayes was again the try maker for Datchworth's next points in a copy of the previous try, this time popping the ball to Harry Knowles who went over for his second try of the game. Tom Tinner then scored his hat trick try from the restart.

Tom saw a gap and charged from the Ruislip 10-metre line through their defence going in under the posts. Oli Hayes was then rewarded for his hard work when he scored Datchworth's last with Joe Vinall converting.

Datchworth U13s lost a hard-fought game to Canvey Island. Datchworth kicked off into the wind on Canvey's exposed salt marshes. But failing to go for the ankles of the island giants meant too many missed tackles and two quick unconverted tries conceded.

Shocked but not downhearted, Datchworth returned fire. Backs Liam Dee, Luke Holmes and Christopher Hodges ran rings round the tiring and stranded islanders. Nothing came of it by the break, but Datchworth then went on to turn the tide against the seaside team and boss much of the second half.

Some classy passing and fleet-footed running by the team gave George Taylor Datchworth's first try.

And Liam Dee, working successfully to beat the opposition with his pace and ability to change direction, planted the second try under the posts. Luke Holmes converted. Canvey matched Datchworth's second half score to finish 12-22 ahead.

Coach Colin George said: "The boys had to work hard in the rucks and mauls, but as Canvey tired they held their own.That gave them scope for the backs to rehearse some moves ahead of our league game - and they landed two tries from it, so we look forward to our league game with confidence.