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The Steve Blood Golden Boot Award – Celebrating Excellence from the Boot
Dartfordians RFC is proud to introduce a new annual honour:
Dartfordians RFC is proud to introduce a new annual honour:
The Steve Blood Golden Boot Award, presented to the player who scores the highest number of points from kicking across the season, with the award donated by Gavin Jackson and Dick Tisdell, with thanks.
We are delighted to announce that the inaugural winner is Jarlath Hetherington, whose outstanding return of 136 points makes him a fitting first recipient of this award.
This award is more than a statistic, it is a tribute to a much-loved character whose passion, humour, and contribution to our club left a lasting mark.
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Remembering Steve Blood
Stephen Blood was born on 13th December 1956 in Dartford. His rugby journey began at Dartford Grammar School in 1967 before continuing at Dartfordians RFC, where he played his adult rugby at Bourne Road.
Starting out on the wing, Steve soon established himself as a talented fly-half the position he most enjoyed and where he made his biggest impact. One of his proudest moments came in March 1983, when he scored a try for the First XV in the Kent Cup Final against Blackheath.
A keen and competitive kicker, Steve once suggested over a few beers in the late 1980s that the club introduce an annual award for the season’s top points scorer from the boot. Unsurprisingly, his teammates suspected he had every intention of winning it himself. As the idea gathered momentum that evening, Steve true to his humour, proposed the name “The Club Foot Award.”
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More Than a Rugby
Steve was a passionate all-round sportsman, also enjoying cricket and golf. Away from sport, he brought people together through music, forming the club band “Blood & Guts” with players from across the teams. They became a familiar and much-loved presence at the clubhouse and local venues.
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A Lasting Legacy
Following Steve’s passing in November 2024 at the age of 67, his friends and former teammates chose to honour him by bringing his idea to life.
A specially designed award has been commissioned in his memory, ensuring that his spirit, humour, and love of the game live on at Dartfordians RFC.
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The Award Today
The Steve Blood Award will be presented each year at the Club Supper to the player with the highest number of points scored from kicking during the season.
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2025/26 Winner Jarlath Hetherington – 136 points (in just 14 games)
- 36 conversions
- 3 penalties
- 11 tries
- 3 Man of the Match performances
Jarlath’s achievement is made all the more remarkable by the speed and consistency with which it was delivered, amassing 136 points in just 14 appearances is an outstanding return and a true reflection of his quality from the tee.
Beyond his individual contributions, Jarlath has also led from the front as captain, playing a pivotal role in ensuring the 1st XV retained its place in Regional 2, extending the club’s longest-ever consecutive spell at this level.
His leadership, composure, and influence have been instrumental both on and off the pitch.
A fantastic achievement and a thoroughly deserving first recipient of this award, setting a high benchmark for seasons to come.
This award is a fitting tribute to a gifted fly-half and passionate kicker.
To a teammate who brought humour and energy to the club and to a man whose idea born in laughter, now becomes part of Dartfordians history.
We look forward to celebrating this award for many years to come, ensuring that Steve Blood’s name, story, and spirit remain an enduring part of life at Dartfordians RFC.
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