First game of the season, definitely some nerves around (mostly the coaches but we tried not to show it). The unfamiliar U13 pitch size looked enormous, as did the Datchworth opposition when they came out to warm up. But the boys have been training well and we had every reason to be confident. The game started at a frenetic pace, players from both sides fully committed and honours even after 5 minutes. Then the newest member of our team Jesse playing at 10 beat two players and made a dash to the try line from just inside the opposite half. Jesse went on to have a wonderful game, and is already an integral part of the side. Hampstead with their tails up started dominating the breakdown even though they were the smaller side. Quick ball away from the ruck and some lovely handling brought our wingers into the game resulting in tries for Jack and Daniel. 3 nil up and playing well, all looking good.

Datchworth are a good side though, and hit back with two of their own, one from their 10 who chipped over our retreating defence and pounced to score. It was a lovely piece of skill which drew applause from everyone. Datchworth also had the upper hand in the scrum. We rarely won a scrum even on our put in, as we were pushed back by a well drilled large pack. Possession though was coming from our rucking which was outstanding, which goes to prove speed to the breakdown, positioning and a greater desire beats size and strength. Daniel who a great last season seems to have gained another yard of pace over the summer. Datchworth struggled to contain him, and he ran in another fine try before half time.

The boys were in great spirits at half time and couldn’t wait to get back out there. Not long into the second half after another lovely move ball through hands and Daniel had his hattrick. What a start to the season for him. Charlie then ran in two long distance lung busting tries on this huge pitch, either side of a Datchworth third, after they battered away inside 10 metres finally breaking a determined defence. Carter had a fine game at full back, not giving an inch and preventing two certain tries as their talented no. 10 continued to probe away. A quick penalty led to a Datchworth fourth. Maddock then anticipated the restart well, collecting the ball and through his usual unstoppable combination of speed and utter determination smashed his way down the left to add our 8th try. Given we couldn’t win a scrum against a big side the old adage worked, if you can’t go through, go around. Huge credit to a relatively light pack (James, Holden, Oliver, Abel, Finely and Rory) who stood strong and helped keep the ball at the breakdown, regularly turning it over. And credit to our half backs Dylan and Jesse, who did so well to get the ball away from heavy traffic. Jack finished the game with one of his trademark long distance tries, astonishing stamina given he’d just payed 50 minutes of rugby at the start of the season. Louis and Oliver provided great support from the bench. (9 tries, all scored by backs, 5 from our wingers against 4 tries).

Finally, all credit to Datchworth players who played with great spirit, also their coaches who were very friendly and welcoming to their club. So a wonderful morning, made even better by a Welsh world cup win !