A strong home start against Charlton Pk

Darts started their home league season against Charlton Pk who were missing a few players and from the off Darts went on the attack and it was Mikes Taylor who went over after a few minutes for the opening try. 5-0. From the kick off Darts regained the ball and used the ball intelligently to get it wide to strong running Joe Reilly who used his pace and power to go over for the second try. 10-0. More pressure for Darts but a high tackle allowed Park to clear the lines but the phase play by the home team was impressive and after some great drives the ball was move to Harry Golding who powered over under the posts. Jarlath converted. 17-0 . Park were trying to get their rhythm going and kept the ball live with some impressive offloading but it was difficult for them with the fast line speed in defence by Darts . Unfortunately for Darts Harvey Whyte had to leave the field with a damaged ankle and was replaced Elliot Soler-Gomez. Darts won a good scrum against the head which was quickly taken on By Luke Golding at 8 before passing to Jarlath who timd his pass perfectly for Elliot to go over for the bonus point try. Jarlath again converted 24-0. There was now a period where Park got their game together and with great continuity play took the ball deep into the Darts 22 and it was only a massive defensive effort kept them. There was more pressure from Darts who were moving slickly in the backs but silly penalties allowed Patrk to clear their lines. One last opportunity in the half was created down the short side and Joe Reilly was really unlucky slipping over yards from the line.
The second half started pretty much in the same vein as the first with Darts dominating possession but Park were defending weel and it clear we were in a game despite the score. Another great run by Joe Reilly saw the moved into the 22 but the move faltered with a knock on however the Darts scrum again took one against the head and this created space for Jarlath to weve his way over the line and convert his own try. 31-0. Park continued to try and keep the ball live and made good ground but the Darts defence always managed to disrupt the threat and when this defence gave darts the ball they moved it quickly in the backs and then a kick to the corner allowed Elliot to tackle the defender when retrieved the ball and then strip the ball to score his second try. 36-0. Darts back row of Luke , Kieran and Harry Wright were causing problems not
allowing space for the visitors and when the turnover came the ball was moved quickly and recycled at each breakdown . Harry made a great break and the team moved into the opposition half. Another kick into the corner was retrieved by the defender but the pressure on the kicker saw the ball miss touch and land in Dempsey's hands who ran it back well drawing in defenders before the ball was moved sharply to Joe Reilly who beat three players to score from 25 metres out. Jarlath converted. 43 -0. Dart were now throwing the ball about really well getting width on the play which was stretching the defence and creating gaps and when Park ran out of players the ball found Elliot who scored his thrid try 48-0. The game wasn't over and it was the visitors who put the last score on the board with some great play putting Reion over the line . 48-5.
An entertaining match which gave Darts a second win with some great performances and at the end the boys knew they had been in a match and despite many changes in their line up they kept going right to the end. Great to see former coach Bob Hussey back at the club now with Charlton Park.
Today's match was played for the Rupert Cup which was started 30 years ago in memory of Howard "Rupert" Rogers and it was great to see Howards daughter Sarah and husband and son Matt and Aiden at the club to watch the game. The destination of the trophy will be decided on the aggregate of both league games.