Team:
1. Danny Sheridan
2. Anthony Price
3. Sam McBroom
4. Paul Broadwood
5. Mark Holgate
6. Anthony Stone
7. Chris Marchant
8. Matt Francis
9. Tom Wood
10. Sam Brunton
11. James Watt
12. Ian Reid
13. Andy Tarsey
14. Tom Nesbitt
15. Will Mitchell
Subs:
16. Henry Mountain
17. Chris Essam | Tries:
Ian Reid
Paul Broadwood
James Watt
Matt Francis
Cons:
Andy Tarsey (3)
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Datchworth kicked off this London 3NW and Cup double-header, and from the outset were playing all the rugby. Anthony Price started well as stand-in hooker, winning a scrum against the head and producing immaculate throws in the lineout. Unfortunately his afternoon was cut short as he fell badly, breaking his leg in the first 10 minutes.
The game continued on the adjacent pitch, with Datchworth deep in Ashmoleans’ territory. The first score happened after good work from the forwards, after which the ball was fed down the line to centre Ian Reid, who was able to beat his defender on the outside and touchdown just left of the posts. Tarsey missed the conversion.
Ashmoleans struggled to get a foothold in the match mainly due to the excellent tactical kicking of Tom Wood at 9, Sam Brunton at 10 and Will Mitchell at fullback. However, ill-discipline from the villagers gave the opposition opportunities to impose themselves with close quarter attacks from two forwards and direct running from their centres. Ashmoleans had periods of pressure but were unable to breakdown a solid and as always, resolute, green defence.
With the score 5-0 at the break, Coach Mark Pittaccio gave a frank half-time talk to the side who then looked to have cut out the petulant penalties that had so far hindered their performance. Alas, this did not last as long as he may have hoped as Prop Sam McBroom was sin binned for entering a ruck at the side. Playing up the slope, Datchworth still made progress with strong running; most notably some line-breaking runs from No. 8 Matt Francis.
Continued pressure led to the next score with 2nd row warrior Paul Broadwood finding himself in unfamiliar territory, diving all of half a metre to score under the posts – his 3rd of the season. Andy Tarsey added the extras and made it 12-0.
Again good tactical kicking kept the lively Ashmoleans winger at arm’s length. The third score of the match was a well executed counter-attack launched from just inside the villagers’ own half. Mitchell fielded a kick, and fed the ball into midfield where it was carried back into the Ashmoleans territory. The ball found itself in the hands of blindside flanker, Anthony Stone, who made the critical pass to Captain James Watt in space to race in from 30 yards and score under the posts. Tarsey again converted, making it 19-0.
The game followed a similar pattern with the Datchworth pack and back division linking well. The final score of the match came as quick ruck ball inside Ashmoleans 22 was moved to Paul Broadwood, who was able to offload to Francis to deservedly score under the posts. The conversion was a formality for Tarsey, and the final scoreline was 26-0.
Praise must be given for a strong defensive display, in particular the scrum with Henry Mountain coming on at prop and Danny Sheridan shifting into the middle to hook after the loss of Price. Both produced strong displays. Young flanker Chris Marchant continued to show his versatility and ability to adapt, taking over the throwing duties with aplomb.
However, Datchworth were fortunate not to lose more men to the bin with too many infringements at the ruck. In this area they must improve if they want to progress further in the cup and league.
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