Match report: U12 Dartfordians v Maidstone (U12/U13) 15/03/26

Team: Will, Henry, Oli, Ronnie, Lucas, Teddy, Logan, Ethan (C), Luca, Max, Arthur, Billy, Jimmy K, Jimmy B, Bryan, Finley, Tyler

Rescheduled from February where all of Kent/SE London's pitches resembled swamps. Sunny morning for once. Yes, we all agree, youth rugby is about the development, team work and enjoyment, but winning was a bonus.

Having had some competitive and close waterfall games v Sevenoaks, Dartford Valley, Beckenham (twice) and Deal, yet in all coming up second place, this one was a nice way to finish off the season and a boost ahead of tour.

Unfortunately, no ref available, so agreed to do half each with Maidstone, so the game will go on.

Mixed age group for Maidstone, majority at u12.

Strong start for us at home with Oli striking first with a pick and go, charging through for over 10 metres. Billy in at fullback scanning well and coming up as needed.

Henry and Will's strong carries, pushing defenders back after initial contact led to our second score, having the ball been passed out 4 times from the breakdown finishing with a well timed pass from Lucas to Max on the left wing.

The ball went through multiple players left to right from fly half Logan for multiple phases spreading their defence whilst making ground, then Ronnie charging through the middle to score.

The next try from the scrum, Scrum half Teddy distributing fast to Logan to captain Ethan who took it running hard and finding the corner. Another from Oli and Max to end the first half 30-0. Great sportsmanship from Maidstone, highlighted by their largest player (selected by Darts as Maidstone player of match) not showing frustration from the growing deficit, but congratulating each of our scorers each time the ball was grounded. Darts defensive discipline consistent for the first 20, with tackling masterclass from Ethan and Luca dominating in rucks as his partner in the centres. Our opponent not having had possession in our half when the halftime whistle was blown. The score capped there as per the age grade rules. Maidstone were happy to continue with the game and were impressed with Staggy's reffing, opting for him to continue for the second half rather than swapping. Always keen for more cardio, he accepted.

Second half. 5 from the bench brought on, opposite to the Springboks, the bench was loaded with backs coming on with fast fresh legs, double Jimmys; B and K, Bryan, Finley and Tyler all adding contributions.

Just 2 minutes in Maidstone finally broke into our half, a few phases later their efforts rewarded with their first try. The visitors definitely pumped up by this and the game remained much more competitive, being played more in the centre of the field.

A grubber down the right wing stopping in their in goal area, resulting in our attacking 5 metre scrum after it was downed by Maidstone. Straight off the scrum from Jimmy B through the hands of at least 4 players to Finley for our 7th score (the coaches training chants of "2 passes, find the space" must have been absorbed finally.

Arthur got our 8th, not slowed down too much from his stubbed and taped toe a few days before. Then Ethan went the distance for his second, dominant running, not touched since he broke the line back at our 22.

Still a valiant performance from Maidstone through to the end, finalising their visit with the final try of the game off a scrum then a penalty crashing over the line before the final whistle was blown.

Great game of rugby from both teams, representing the TREDS values throughout.

Final score Dartfordians win 30-0.

Dartfordians Player of Match: Oli

Happy Mothers day to all the rugby Mums! Thanks from all the boys for giving up your time on every Sunday morning especially this one.