Quick Demons outplay a big Cliffe team

Darts Demons entertained Cliffe Crusaders knowing that this would be a tough match and thatbthey would need to be on top form to maintain their unbeaten recored and they started with a bang scoring a a fantastic try right from the kick off with the ball going quickly through a numbers of hands before Fin Nichols scored. Ali Barker converted to give the Demons an early 7-0 lead. Darts continued to put pressure on the visitors and their quick hands were causing problems. A kick to the corner saw the Demons win the lineout take a drive to the right and then quickly move the ball left where Joe Carey was unmarked to score in the corner. Once again Ali converted. 14-0. Cliffe went on the attack using their big runners but great defence forced a penalty to clear the lines. Clffe again put some pressure on punching holes in the Darts defence but the home side turned over the lineout to clear the lines. Cliffe 's pressure forced a pen and this was moved wide but a great tackle by Navi stopped a try. From the lineout Darts cleared the lines and great line speed isolated their full back and the Demons turned over the ball. This ball was moved wide quickly and Dom Fisher took the ball on and he then passed the inside inside to the supporting Fin Nichols who scored his second under the posts. Ali again converted. 21-0. A long kick from Darts went over the line and the goal line clearance was taken by Ali who ran it back and timed a great pass to Navi who took the ball into space and then passed to young Stan Tume who then took it further before popping to Geofrge Keefe who went over from 5 metres. Cliffe were keeping control of the ball and eventually this dist=rupted the Demons defence and they scored an excellent team try to close the gap. 26-7. The Demons were having a great half and this spoilt their great play and rejuvanated Cliffe who continued attacking with their powerful forwards and what llooked like a try saving tackle from Ali was high and apenalty try and a yellow for Ali closed the half. 26-14.
The second half started with Cliffe conti nuing the great work at the end of the first but Darts with 14 men were defending well but eventually the lack of a player told and Cliffe score their third try from close range. 26-21. This was disappointing for the home side who had been playing so well but they settled down and were keeping good control of the ball and this forced a bit of ill discipline which saw Cliffe get a yellow, A pen saw the ball kicked for touch and a great take in the lineout and the drive pushed Cliffe on the back foot and when the ball was released as the defence narrowed in Ali switched with Fin who went over strongly for his third try.. Ali converted to ease the nerves. 33-21. Darts were now back in control and the forwards were winning decent ball at set piece and another good counterattack put the Demons on the fron foot and a deft kick through from Fin saw Navi chase through and again kick forward but the ball just went over the dead ball line before he could touch down . Darts were driving forward with their pack getting to the breakdowns quicker than their opponents and eventually it was Ali who went over in the corner and put in a fine conversion to give a final score of 40-21.
An excellent performance from the Demons with the backs performing really well using great hands and pace to get behind the defence and as the match moved on the forwards were holding and the besting their bigger opposition. With their unbeaten record intact the Demons onto some more tough matches with Brocks and Gravesendians coming up.
Fin Nichols was given the MOM for a great all round performance.