Extra A 47 v Datchworth 2s 7

After a week off, the Extra A's returned to action on Saturday with another away trip, this time to struggling Datchworth. Availability was good all week meaning that we travelled with a strong squad, and, for the first time this season, we actually arrived at our opponents ground early- good signs from the outset.

Datchworth were up against it even before the match had started due to one of their front row getting injured in the warm up; we are unsure as to what their warm up entails but we do know that we would never be trying that hard before a game. Thankfully, to ensure that the match was contested more evenly, our very own Dave Brunner the upright runner volunteered to start the match for the opposition meaning it was 15-a-side. Cheers, Dave.

So the game kicked off with the blues playing up the slight hill in the first half; unfortunately scrums were to be uncontested for the whole match, much to the dismay of Copper and Television's Mr Drew up front. Early signs were bright for Stortford, with strong direct running and excellent rucking from the pack forcing a penalty early on; the ball was put into the corner, and following several pick and drives within the opposition 5, the ref was forced to award another penalty to the Blues on their opponents 5m line; fly half Sperm opted to take the penalty quickly and, with the help of a good decoy run from larger than life lock Dave Macfie, was able to burrow his way over for the first score of the day. The extras were missed (a theme that would continue throughout the day). Their number 8 was also binned at this point for excessive use of his mouth.

Much like our last game at Hemel, our dominance and possession was often squandered due to silly handling errors and some bad decision making in key areas of the park; frustrating to say the least. However, it was Stortford who scored next when the ball found it's way into the hands of prolific outside centre Mike Roberts, who once again showed great pace and power to finish strongly in the corner. Shortly after this, Stiggy got punched in the face; nobody quite knows why, but it was funny nonetheless. The next try was soon to follow, this time to returning flyer Ben 'the sidestep' Usher; a fly hack from Sperm after a Datchworth fumble saw Usher outpace his opposite man and pounce on the loose ball in the opposition dead ball area. Datchworth rarely had possession, and when they did they were shutdown quickly with some powerful Blue defence. The half was to end just like it had started, this time Craig 'council' Hale finished well in the corner after some good link up play with his pack. 20-0 at half time and not going too badly; would've been better if our 10 could kick.

The second half started brightly, well for the first minute anyway; a high restart saw the ball land beautifully into the hands of the same bloke who had previously punched our beloved StigDog. Just as he caught it he was met by flying flanker Ben 'the saint' Baker who put in the hit of the day and ensured that his opponent was not so forthcoming with his fists for the remainder of the game. After this, Stortford slipped back into their first half ways with poor handling and a lack of composure costing the Blues several scoring opportunities. Outrageously, the first points of the second half went to Council, after he hit a drop goal from their 10 meter line. No one really knew what to say, but if it didn't go over then d**k of the day was surely his to keep. As the half wore on, the Datchworth defence tired, this allowed the Blues to spread the ball well and Ben Usher got his second after neat hands down the blindside from Boyle and Council. Jon 'the tie' Doolan was next on the score sheet after an excellent turnover from Sandy Macfie and quick hands released him down the wing; you can't stop direct Doolan with a clear run in. Roberts scored again shortly after, exploiting space out side to round 2 players and score. The home side showed good grit and determination to get some possession and eventually scored a try of their own after poor discipline and some lackluster defence from the Blues allowed them to crash over. Their joy was short-lived though, as straight from the resulting kick, Captain not so fantastic Matt Slade caught the ball well and recycled it quickly, the opposition back line were so far off side by the time the ball had made its way from Boyle to Sperm, that they were actually past the fly half by the time he caught it, this allowed an easy run in under the posts for Sperm to finish the match.

It has to be said, there weren't too many candidates for Man of the Match this week, but it was rightfully given to Sandy Macfie for a solid performance all over the park, and trying to keep everybody switched on, even when we were playing like c**ts. D**k of the day was a far harder choice, with so many to choose from. Council- drop goal attempt, Drew- going to the wrong Rugby club, Stig-getting punched etc etc.. However, the eventual winner was skipper Matt Slade, for bollocking everyone for trying to offload too much out of the tackle, then trying to do so himself- twice- and failing spectacularly on both occasions.

Not the finest display for the Extra A, but a win is a win and we travel to Hertford next week for a massive must win derby against the old enemy!