Beccs 2's V Darts 2's`

Darts arrived at Sparrows den for a top of the table clash with Beccs knowing that the winner would be top of the table and in a strong position for the league. Darts started playing down the slope hoping to use this to their advantage and started strongly. The pack asserted early dominance with Lewis Couchman at the fore with some early carries. After a good catch and drive, the ball was fed wide by James Matkins to Babs Ojo who had an easy run in for darts 1st try which was converted by Tony Mead. Darts continued to put pressure on their opponents however a rare Beccs break in darts 22 was well covered by Phil Delafosse a full back who had a solid game throughout. More pressure by Darts allowed Tony Mead to slot a penalty making the score 10-0. After another drive by the darts pack, they secured a penalty in front of the posts. With the Beccs team expecting the 3 to be taken a quick tap was driven forward by Craig Curley and after quick ball sent wide again to Ojo who finished for his 2nd try. The conversion was missed. After that Beccs came back into the fray and the game was a more even affair. Good defence across the board kept them at bay leaving the game 15-0 at halt time to Darts who probably should have been further ahead given the amount of ball and territory they had.
Beccehamians came out firing straight from the off in the second half with their pack taking the game to Darts with a series of strong carries. After multiple phases, they worked an overlap on the left and scored a try which was unconverted. Darts appeared to be shell shocked and were being taken on all over the park by Beccs who were spurred on by the home support. Their scrum seemed to have the upper hand and with Darts on the back foot, pressed and managed to work a second try which again was unconverted. With the score 10-15, only brave darts defence in particular by Ben Crouch, Lewis Couchman and Gav Renno kept Beccs from scoring again. An unfortunate injury to a Beccs player caused a long delay and a change of pitch whilst the player was immobilised. All involved in the game hope he is ok. This break in play seemed to give Darts a chance to refocus and slow the game down. With 10 mins left, darts had a scrum just outside the Beccs 22 and with ball secured at the back by stand in No.8 Ricky Phillips, the ball was moved blind and after a grubber kick through by Matkins, Ojo gathered the ball and beat 2 players on the way to the line for his hat trick which was converted by Mead. Darts saw out the game to win 22-10. This was a great team win and Darts showed great heart and composure to see it out. They will hope to take the same focus into the remaining games giving them a great chance to secure the league.

Scorers

Try - Ojo (3)
Cons - Mead (2)
Pens - Mead

Man of the Match Lewis Couchman