Hatfield Queen Elizabeth Rugby Club overcame a strong Datchworth third XV to win 30-15 at Roe Hill and remain top of the Merit 4 Table.

It was clear from kick off that the Hatfield team wanted to make amends for the loss last week. The players were disciplined in defence and confident in attack.

After several minutes in the middle of the pitch, where neither team could make a break through, the Hatfield forwards secured a ball, giving scrumhalf Luke Goodwin a solid platform where he passed out to the backs. Flyhalf Charlie Gibbs jinked passed on Datchworth player before offloading to centre Kieran O’Shea who broke through several tackles to score under the posts.

Hatfield took their foot off the gas, which allowed Datchworth to break through and cross the whitewash themselves.

It was then a period of dominance for HQE as captain Gibbs went on a scoring rampage. He slotted two penalties and then scored back-to-back tries giving the home team an 18-point lead over Datchworth at that point.

When Datchworth were able to get their hands on the ball they were met by some breath-taking try-saving tackles by wingers Liam Baker and Arjun Chandrakanthan and flanker Jose Cuesta Cester.

As the game started to reach its conclusion Hatfield’s solid defence was broken down by Datchworth and they were able to score two quick tries.

Hatfield weren’t finished however as the forwards attacked and flanker Sam Gifford smashed through the opposition to score one final try for Hatfield. Gibbs slotted the conversion making a final score 30-15 to the home team.

The result puts Hatfield top of the Herts Merit League 4 on 24 points, equal with Biggleswade – the team Hatfield face next on Saturday 5th November.

Picture Credit: Images Courtesy of Anastasia Paradisopoulos