Tries: Sharples (3), S. Codrington (2), Dekker, Tudor, Crawford, Foskett,

Conversions: Neville (6)

Pens: Neville

Drop Goals:

The Medicals entered their last home game of the 07-08 season knowing that a comprehensive victory would all but ensure them a spot in the play-off. The game also saw the return of skipper Austin Dekker, who hadn't played since sustaining a horrific facial injury in the BUSA game against UWE. Elsewhere, fresher Doug Evans came in for his first Saturday start to partner Peter O'Neill in the second row, whereas the bench exuded experience as stalwart Freddy Banks was joined by the exuberant Paul Thirucheluam and indefatigable Andrew Foskett.

Datchworth, already relegated, but showing a great fighting spirit, as demonstrated by their 18-0 victory over London New Zealand last week, started the game brightly. Peter O'Neill failed to gather the kick-off allowng the visitors onto the front foot. However, the Medicals' defence stood firm and withstood the early Datchworth onslaught. Indeed, the home side were to take play into the visitor's half, where it was to remain for most of the opening 10 minutes.

Despite dominating, the Medicals required a moment of brilliance to break the deadlock. With play by the right touchline the ball was played along the backline to Sam Codrington. Codrington, faced by his opposite winger and full-back, showed great acceleration to take both players on the outside and touchdown in the left corner. Neville hit the post with the conversion from the left touchline.

The visitors hit straight back by capitalising on the Medicals' errors. With pre-match showers passing to give a fine day the home side hoped to open up the game, however, on occassion their play became overly loose. Francois Tudor was able to turn over Datchworth ball but was then himself turned over at the next breakdown. With the Medicals set up to attack the visiotrs exploited the space to score under the posts. The successful conversion took the visitors in front, however, the Medcials were soon to restore their lead as Dan Neville stroked a penalty between the posts.

Then followed a poigniant moment as the returning Dekker found himslef on Jo Codrington's shoulder and in a gap. Fending off all around him, including the supporting Graham Sidorowicz, Dekker made a burst for the line and slid in under the posts. Neville added the extras with little fuss. Datchworth were to score their last points of the afternoon soon after, giving them some hope prior to half time, however, the Medicals were able to get a score just before the interval as the catch and drive allowed the pack to rumble towards the line, with Francois Tudor emerging from the bottom of the pile of bodies clutching the ball. Neville was unable to add the extras.

During the interval the Medicals talked, amongst other things, about the importance of the opening ten minutes of the second half and the significance of this period in ensuring a comfortable victory. The Medicals were true to their word as they started the second period in blistering form. From front row to full-back the Medicals stepped up their game with prop Johnny Fisher-Black showing the footwork of a winger and Suna Bull tackling like a back-rower. James Sharples opened Medcials' second half scoring with a explosive run from the ten metre line in which he beat three covering tacklers. Neville added the extras as he continued his good form with the boot.

The floodgates soon opened as Sam Codrington crossed to complete his brace for the afternoon a try that was closely followed by a score from Ruaridh Crawford who broke from the side of the ruck to twist and roll his way over the line. Most comforting of all was that when Datchworth threatened the home side were able to clear their lines either with a solid kicking game or exemplary mauling, ressembling a phalanx of Roman legionaires, averting any danger.

With around twenty minutes to go Freddy Banks and Andrew Foskett replaced the excellent Johnny Fisher-Black and tireless Francois Tudor. The fresh legs brought with them renewed urgency and soon after Sharples crossed for his second of the afternoon. Again the strong running fresher broke tackles to touch down to the right of the posts.

Paul Thirucheluam replaced Dan Neville for the last ten minutes in a period where the home side dominated proceedings. First, the Medicals were able to reherse their driving maul. Joe Codrington steered the pack deep into the Datchworth twenty two. From there, the lineout and driving maul clicked into gear allowing Andrew Foskett to score, to his clear delight, his first try at 1st XV level. Joe Codrington, having taken over kicking duties from Dan Neville, was unable to add the conversion. The final Medicals' try of the afternoon was probably the best. Rather than kick to the corner scrum-half Martin Borthwick took a quick tap and set the backline in motion. As the ball was moved along the line James Sharples hit a great line and completed his hat-trick by sauntering in at the right corner.

At the final whistle the visitors were gracious in defeat, wishing the Medicals good luck for their potential play-off and knowing they need time to re-build before their campaign to regain their London 3 NW status next season. With Hammersmith & Fulham beating Hampstead by a solitary point the Medicals now enjoy a two point lead and a far superior points difference over their near neighbours making the play-off spot all but theirs. A draw or victory over Hampstead next weekend will confirm the Medcials' play-off place, however, they will be without hat-trick hero James Sharples and the influencial Peter O'Neill.

Jez 

Many thanks to Sophie for providing physio cover.