Welwyn returned to winning ways with a derby success over Datchworth and have one eye on a successful run in the new RFU Cup.

The 38-10 success at Hobbs Way ended five games without success and keeps them in with an eye on sixth place.

The Men in Green had confirmed their status in the division last week with victory over Hackney but couldn't celebrate with another success.

Both have one game remaining in Counties One Herts Middlesex, Welwyn at Hampstead and Datch at home to Finchley.

 

The new cup competition though comes with no small amount of intrigue and it has caught the attention of Welwyn head coach Gareth Hughes.

He said: "The lads were up for it today and played really well against a gutsy Datchworth side.

"We look forward to finishing our league season on Hampstead Heath on Saturday and then see what the RFU’s new Community Cup competition has to offer."

 

The derby fixture always creates a lot of interest and a good crowd turned up to watch the latest instalment.

And on a dry afternoon with little wind, both sides contributed to an entertaining game of rugby.

Welwyn Hatfield Times: Adam Harcourt scored Welwyn's final try on his final appearance. Picture: KARYN HADDONAdam Harcourt scored Welwyn's final try on his final appearance. Picture: KARYN HADDON (Image: Karyn Haddon)

 

Two of Welwyn's first-team stalwarts, Will Freeston and Adam Harcourt, were playing their last games for the club and it was only appropriate that they both got onto the score sheet.

Freeston drove over from close range after five minutes and Chris Kemp’s conversion put the hosts into an early 7-0 advantage.

Over 20 minutes passed before they scored again, Vetaia Kawea handing off two would-be tacklers to score a typically powerful effort in the corner.

A few minutes later Harcourt somehow managed to keep the ball in play from a penalty kick to touch and that freed up Fin Sutherland to step his way through the covering defence to score in the corner.

Sustained pressure on the Welwyn line brought Datchworth a deserved five points but any hopes the visitors had of narrowing the gap further were dashed straight after half-time.

In the move of the match, Welwyn's backs got the ball on their own 22 and decided to show what they can do.

With perfectly timed passes creating the space, they released powerful winger Alex Omole who raced in to score from 50 metres, securing the try bonus point.

Kemp added the conversion and Welwyn led 24-5.

Ten minutes later, veteran second-row forward Ash Dobney charged over to score close to the posts and Kemp’s conversion stretched the lead further.

The home side did lose both Kawea and Sutherland to injury at this point but nothing was going to stop Harcourt crossing the try line in his final match.

He touched down in the corner and an excellent conversion by Kemp stretched Welwyn’s lead to 38-5.

Datchworth had the last say though, scoring the final try of the game.

The Community Cup will be split into championship, plate and shield competitions with Welwyn destined to contest the 32-team, straight knockout, south plate.

The first game is planned for March 25.