Promoted Datchworth treated the gathering of vice-presidents and guests to a display of champagne rugby to end their league season. The villagers relaxed to find their free-flowing game on The Green as they beat Cheshunt by 52 points without reply. Head c

Promoted Datchworth treated the gathering of vice-presidents and guests to a display of champagne rugby to end their league season.

The villagers relaxed to find their free-flowing game on The Green as they beat Cheshunt by 52 points without reply.

Head coach Mark Pittaccio, although delighted with the performance, also struck a note of caution.

He said: "Next season, we will have to find this cutting edge when the pressure for results is on and the defences we face are less generous."

Despite his serious injury sustained at Hitchin a fortnight previously, full-back Al Thomas was able to watch the game.

Pittaccio continued: "Although we were promoted at Hitchin, the knowledge that Al was in trouble soured things somewhat.

"His presence, along with Tom Morton who also made a huge contribution prior to his injury in February, meant that we could really celebrate a fantastic season."

From the moment teenager Andy Tarsey fed veteran Paul Butler for the first try, it was clear that Cheshunt were in for a long afternoon that would see them relegated from the London leagues.

Datchworth's press defence denied the visitors any time and space to create meaningful attacks while Tarsey and half back partner Ben Gillett accurately distributed clean ball and created the space for the wider men.

Playing out of position, Tom Ruffle helped himself to two tries on the left wing.

The first was a run in to the corner after the overlap had been created and the second exploited a gap in the defence after a quick tap penalty.

Throughout the game his back row colleagues ensured that the ball was kept alive and moved into space.

Openside Jamie Sinclair supported everything and teenager Billie Johnson dominated the lineout.

The forwards were not to be denied scores of their own with two trademark tries. Prop Allan Leggetter took a pop on the burst from 10m out and hooker Rob Botterman, in his last game as captain, latched on to the back of a driven lineout.

Centre Richie Howells added the extras from seemingly anywhere on the field and scored a try having cut a decisive angle through the opposition midfield.

The almost inevitable score from Tarsey was a fitting finish to his remarkable debut season.

The second team returned triumphant from Woodford and secured their league title so celebrations continued long into the night.

This included the presentation of merit awards to first team prop Danny Sheridan and lock Paul Broadwood whose contribution throughout this promotion season was recognised by their team.

Pittaccio added: "It's incredible really; within minutes of the final whistle, the lads were asking when the summer training programme was starting.

"They cannot wait to compete in the next league. It's going to be a long off season."

* Hitchin were humbled 64-7 at Old Hamptonians in their last game of the current campaign.