Though the much-changed Hemel side never fell behind to their opponents from Knebworth, it was a bit too close for comfort as Hemel emerged 29-24 winners and jumped to 5th in the league.

The first points were scored shortly before the 20 minute mark - Tom Aitken, playing at fullback this week, making a good break before passing to wing Carl Buckingham, who side-stepped the defence before sprinting over the line.

Blake Kirby, making his debut at fly-half, added the extras.

a series of attacks which took them close to the tryline but then lost the advantage when penalised for holding on in a ruck.

But Datchworth worked their way back into the game after a series of Hemel attacks.

They worked their way into the home side's 22 and broke through a gap in the defence to score a converted try to level after 29 minutes.

But Camelot went in ahead at the break thanks to a try from second-rower Joe Cox, the score coming after some good work from the forwards to earn a penalty.

Grant Hathaway set up the home side's next try seven minutes into the second period. His chip into the corner bounced back off the flag post and fullback Tom Aitken stormed through to touch down to make it 17-7.

Datchworth won a series of penalties and then a line-out from the restart, eventually spinning the ball out wide and breaking through the back line.

Captain Darren Perry and Hathaway put some distance between the sides with two quick scores, making the score 29-12 with 10 minutes to go.
But the game was not done and dusted quite yet.

Camelot lost concentration and let Datchworth back into the game with two tries. But it was too little too late for the visitors, as Camelot ran out worthy winners.

They will, however, be disappointed with their late loss of focus and will look to improve on their showing when they face 6th-placed Old Hamptonians away this Saturday.

Meanwhile Camelot Colts Hemel Colts ground out a fine victory over Stevenage in the 1st round of the English National Cup at Chaulden Lane.

Hemel edged the first half 12-8 with a try a piece from Lewis Atkins and Ross Merrett.

The home side dominated in the second, adding another three tries through Jack Adams, Stephen Greedey and Chris Roberts.