Heart's not enough for Datchworth
Datchworth 3 Harpenden 33 This cup clash was always going to be a tough encounter for the home side, missing several key players and against a side on a good run of form in the league above. In the position of being able to play a handful of talented youn
Datchworth 3 Harpenden 33
This cup clash was always going to be a tough encounter for the home side, missing several key players and against a side on a good run of form in the league above.
In the position of being able to play a handful of talented youngsters and with nothing to lose, Datchworth did not allow themselves to be dominated by the opposition.
This heart and eagerness to put the travelling London Three side under the hammer from the off was reinforced when 15 minutes of neat, quick rugby saw the villagers pressurise the travelling team into making errors and conceding penalties.
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One of these, slightly left of the posts, was kicked over by Datchworth to give them a three-point lead.
Datchworth then allowed the speed of the game to be dictated, and slowed down, by the opposition.
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Despite an even first half which saw some quality rugby, Datchworth went into the break 12-3 down.
In the second half Harpenden really started to find their groove, and despite Datchworth dominating from set pieces across the park, in particular the scrums, the visiting side were not allowing the villagers into the tie.
Despite some impressive individual performances, the home side started falling foul to injuries and discipline dropped. This ultimately proved costly as Datchworth were reduced to 14 men in the second half after a yellow card incident.
The final scoreline does not truly reflect the game and the passion this young Datchworth side put into this match.
Datchworth will hope to come out firing on all cylinders for Saturday's home league clash against Fullerians.
