Great win for Darts U18 girls against a tough Medway side

On a cold wet and windy Darts entertained Medway in their U18 league fixture knowing it was going to be a tough encounter. Straight from the kick off Medway went on the attack and determined defence kept them at bay but the visitors kept good control of the ball and moved the defence around before releasing their pacy winger who seeing how narrow the Darts defence was went wide and scored in the corner. 0-5. Darts have always been slow starters but this week they stepped up to the plate early on and good organised play saw them take the ball on with Innes, Lola and Emily D all carrying well,. Darts scrum was very strong with Jaz, Megan and Phoebe providing power in the front row which allowed Darts to take a couple of strikes against the head which maintained the momentum. Emily again picked up well at the back of the scrum and pushed play towards the Medway 22 and then the ball was moved wide to Evie who skipped through a couple of tackles but was held up over the line. Medway were penalised for offside and a quick tap found Jaz who powered over to level the scores. Medway were immediately back into the match with some powerful play but the Darts defence was looking strong and well organised and Emily A and Elizabeth were not onlt carrying the ball well but were making great tackles around the park. Darts were able to withstand the pressure and as always they had Lizzie who could take the ball up and make ground. Lizzie and Ewa are making a fine combination at fly half and inside centre with Ewa making big hits and carrying well when needed. Darts are starting to have a far better idea how to manage the game in specific situations and when Ewa saw space behind the Medway defence she put in a great kick which was chased brilliantly by Isabelle and Robyn. Some great continuity rugby eventually saw Lilly go over for what would have been a great team try but unfortunately the last pass was slightly forward. Robyn making her comeback after injury was making some great runs and stifling her opposite number with strong tackles and the back line generally were combining really well. It was a really entertaining match with both teams showing great skill and technique in difficult conditions. Medway were still putting together some great rugby but the darts defence continued to be strong and well organised with skipper leading from the front as usual. A great counterattack through Isabelle Robyn and Innes drove Medway back into their half. A visiting scrum 10 metres out was put under pressure and great work from Lizzie and Ewa forced the ball loose and was pounced on by Lola who scored under the posts Ewa converted. 12-5. The match continued to be back and forth with both teams having good phases of play but it seemed that what separated the teams was darts slightly better defence. A good tough first half
Darts brought on Tierney in the front row and Holly in the centre and the second started in the same way as the first half with both teams really going at it. At this stage either side could have scored but the work in defence was awesome and big tackles were being made all over the pitch so the next score was going to be important. In the end it was Darts who made the breakthrough when Ewa received the ball and put a kick in behind the Medway back line and made chase. Unluckily for the visitors a bad bounce deceived the defenders and Ewa latched onto the loose ball and ran in from 40 metres to score in the corner. 17-5. The Darts pack now with a bit of breathing space were taking the ball on well with Elizabeth both Emily's and Megan crashing forward committing Medway players to the breakdown. Innes and Lola were everywhere and Jaz and Tierney still kept the scrum strong. Medway were still working really hard and were still a danger with strong running forwards and skilful quick backs so the home team had to be on their guard and keep working hard to protect their line which they did and then turned defence into attack. Lizzie took the ball on strongly from a tap penalty and then offloaded to holly who went over for her score 22-5. Lizzie G and Rhea came on to replace Isabelle and Emily D and were both quickly in the match with a nice run from Lizzie nearly resulting in a try. Rhea in only her second appearance had some strong runs and wasn't scared to make tackles. Sophia came on for Evie making her first outing for the season and although she didn't get much of the ball looked confident.Lilly and Holly both made good breaks which could have resulted in a score but again great defence kept them out. Eventually it was again the strong scrum which resulted in the winning and final Darts score when putting the Medway scrum under pressure the ball went loose and Lizzie M was first to get onto it and score. Ewa converted 29-5. Medway still didn't give up and although tiring they kept going at the home side and when a long kick out was gathered by the visitors they counterattacked really well and scored a well deserved try to end the match on a high. 29-10.
It was agreed by all that this was a great game of rugby in tough conditions with both teams being a credit to their clubs.
There were many names who could have been given the player of the match award but for her unsung work in the pack and around the field tackling and carrying the ball it was awarded to Megan.
Elizabeth had to leave the field with an injury but after visiting hospital it was fortunately only badly bruised and hopefully she will be back in training soon.
A good day for the girls with now 3 wins on the trot showing how determined a group they are after our opening two defeats. Next weekend we have a tough trip to Harpenden.