Positive start for U18 girls despite the narrow loss

Darts had a good start to their season despite the loss to an experience Ashford team. The match didn't start too well with the home team allowing the visitors two early tries and were guilty of hanging off the rucks. This however spurred a great effort from the Darts team who hit back with some great play and BK and Lizzie who both went over. Ashford always looked dangerous with their scrum half always sniping around the fringes but Darts were showing great commitment. With such a big squad Darts were rotating their team with 10 girls making their first outings at U18 level rugby and with Cindy, Pelumi, Lillie, Anna all playing their first ever matches. The score was 14-17 at half time. The second half saw Darts starting to get on top with all the players putting in great tackles and running hard with the ball. Our front row of Rebecca, Poppy, Megan Pelumi and BK were outstanding and bearing in mind that all apart from Rebecca were playing their first matches in the front row. Pip in the second was working her socks of alongside stalwart Jess. Our skipper Lola was again an exceptional leader driving the team on backed up by Karis at 8 and Lara on the flank. The team continued to perform well and Lizzie got her second try. after Ashford had increased their lead. Our back line was working strongly with half backs Emily and Ellie combining well and they were replaced by Lillie and Robyn who were playing together for the first time as a combination. Unfortunately Megan and Anna both had to leave the field with injuries but we had able replacements in Cecilia and Abbie. Some great play saw the ball moved wide to Lizzie Gubby who then popped the ball to Lizzie who scored her third try. We have strength on the wings with Melissa playing the first half with Isabella and Evie also coming on showing her skills in the tackle. BK who was having a great match showed her pace and power and powered through to score her second for Darts to take the lead for the first time. Now Darts had great confidence and continued to pressure Ashford and increased their lead to 32-24 when Abbie scored after some great phases of play. With only three minutes to go Darts were pressuring inside the Ashford half but a loose ball was snapped up by Ashford and they worked their way up the field to score and convert to make it very tight. Darts had a couple of minutes to hold on but the inexperience showed when to their credit they tried to score another try but lost the ball inside the Ashford 22. The visiting picked the ball up and ran three quarters of the field to set up the winning score.
A great performance by all of the girls who continued to improve in all areas and show great strength and character to hit back after a poor start and all of the coaches were very proud of the performance.
Lola for her leadership and all round play was voted player of the match.