Old Merchant Taylors' were in ruthless form as they thrashed Datchworth 69-0 in London Three North West on Saturday.

Jack Baron got the rout underway as he crossed the line and Josh Reed added the extras. This was followed by further tries from Craig Foster and Joe Isaacs, one of which was converted, and OMT held a 19-0 lead at the interval.

Jack Close was given his first XI debut after the break and the floodgates opened in the second period.

Marcus-Alexander Neil touched down for the fourth score which sealed a bonus point and Datchworth’s resistance crumbled as seven further tries were scored.

Foster went over twice to complete his hat-trick and Baron crossed for a second time. Jonny Collins also touched down for Taylors’.

Schoolboy Ben Seabrook was brought on for his debut and the 17-year-old capped his first appearance with a try.

Peter Sinderberry finished the match with a try and Reed made his seventh successful conversion to help OMT score 50 unanswered points in the second half.

Manager Gordon Brown said: “This was a great start for the remainder of our 2014 campaign. Having had a long Christmas break it was important we started strongly.

“No manager or coach could ask for more and team spirit is very high.

“We are very pleased how the new, young players are fitting in and ensuring we have strength in depth.

“There’s still eight matches left in the league, but realistically we know that it will be our game against Grasshoppers that could well decide our promotion prospects.”