Dartfordians Women First XV Win Their First Match Of The New Season!

On a sunny September afternoon our Dartfordians Women’s First XV travelled not too far to Bexley RFC for their first league game of the season.

Nerves and excitement a plenty, a couple of newbies to add to the team sheet, oranges and jelly (courtesy of Chantell S) at the ready.

All warmed up by Vicky R and stretched off and our women were ready 2:00pm and we were off.

A nice support crowd for both sides and one of our own Kayleigh L and Dad Richard came down to see us along with growing bump (Kayleigh L), thanks to Richard L for running touch and also our own Holly O was watching from the sidelines and was eager to get her boots back on as work is getting the way of rugby for her at the moment. She will be back soon.

We agreed with Bexley to play 13- a side as they had some new team members as did we and wanted the game to be safe and fair.

It wasn’t long before there was a try from a great bit of passage play that lead to Laila F putting us on the scoreboard early doors at 2:05pm! Lovely start to the game!

We had an exciting period of play from the scrum from pick and play and straight out to Ana CF and Maria R on the wing and back into our 9 our newbie Ellie W and she went over - 10 - 0 to Darts.

Another 20 minutes of play meant that the ball was passed well and out to the wing again where Maria R got our third try making us lead 15-0.

Just before half time Bexley came at us and we defended our line well but too many high tackles were being made and we gave away too many penalties. The ref was firm but fair and sadly Poppy B had to take one for the team and got a yellow and sat down for 20mins.

Sadly no conversions from our try in the first half and score stayed at 15-0. Oranges and water and pep talks given. Captain Jenna D was all smiles but serious too to keep the teams spirits up and keep us in the game.

Second half started and an ex Dartfordian now on the opposition took this as a chance to run one in early and Bexley were on the board. They converted too so now we were at 15-7.

There was some perfect passing in the mid field and our ladies shut down their defence and created space enough for lightening legs Laila F to get her second and taking our score to 20-7.

Last 10 minutes of play and we converted! - what a way to start the season and what a way to finish the game

Final score 22-7 Darts Win!

BOTM - Laila F/Maria R
FOTM - Ellie W/Georgia O

Pints given to our new team members for a sterling effort and performance for their first run out - Alix G, Eva V, Megan A.

Back to training Wednesday 7:00pm for those that wish to join spread the word.

With thanks to our referee Stephen K and of course Bexley for hosting we look forward to the return match at Darts. Thanks to our water girls Chantell S and Vicky R. Big thanks to Stephen L who surprised us with our own new water bottles !