Darts hold out for close win over rivals Charlton Pk

Darts travelled to Charlton Pk with a much changed side to face a side who over the last three matches have produyced some great rugby and turned around what had been a tough start to the season. The day started with some great hospitality when about 120 people turned up for a Christmas lunch and all were looking forward to a great match. The young Darts team started well pushing play into the home half and not allowing Park to clear their lines and when awarded a penalty the tried and tested kick foir the lineout and a drive. This worked and after a couple of drives the ball was popped to Harvey Whyte who charged over to open the scoring. 0-5. Darts continued to put their power play into action and again it was the lineout that gave them the second score when Billy Wilson used his strength to make sure he got over the line( although it did seem he was slightly short). 0-10 The home support were not feeling confident but then a break by their centre took play out of the 22 before he kicked deep into the visitors 22 and then a period when their scrum was dominant play was moved wide and a clear overlap ensured the score and the conversion saw the score go to 7-10. Darts hit back and went over for another try but an earlier infringement overturned the score. Their was definitely a change in the confidence in the home side as well as on the touchline and they started playing some vintage fast flowing rugby which culminated with them going over for deserved converted try and take the lead. 14-10. Although the Darts defence was pretty solid they coudn't get into the game and were unable to get enough phases going turning over the ball on too many occasions either through handling errors or conceding penalties.. Eventually again things seem to turn and after some pressure on the home side a yellow card was issued which gave Darts time to get back onto the front foot and they did go over the line again but once again an earlier infringement reversed the score. So half time arrived with Park in the lead and more than holding their own inwhat was a really entertaining match
The second half started as with the first with Darts on the front foot and driving the ball in the forwards as well as using their backs to great effect but were faced with fantastic defence. Harvey Whyte was having a fantastic match tackling everything that moved as well as showing great skill with the ball in hand. Needing to get in front Darts conrinued to use the line out as a weapon and again it was successful this time with Ted Rackley going over. This was just reward for the number of strong runs he had made throughout. Ali converted. 14-17. Darts continued to dominate and it seemed that their younger players were using their fitness to keep the pressure on. Just when it look good fro Darts another period of great offloading move play into the Darts 22 and aeventually with two players down injured Darts ran out of players and Park took the lead again with a converted try. 21-17. Darts had come back from this position a couple of times this season and needed to do the same. Bexley Uwaibi came on in the front row and immediately got into the game with some fantastic charging runs using pace and footwork. Winning ball on the front foot gave the backs a chance to really have a go at the home defence but despite opportunities for Harvey, Elliot and Joe Reilly the home defence was awesome and kept their lead intact. Whenever Park cleared their lines Jake Taylor was there to run the ball back at them. Fin Nichols came on to make his debut and made a great impression adding to his performances in the Demons.. More pressure on thee Park line and some great recycling of the ball saw Darts retake the lead with Man of the Match Harvey Whyte going over for his second try in the corner. 21-22. The home side weren't finished and made a rare entry into Darts half and after much pressure forced the visitors to concede a penalty about 35 metres in front of the posts. Park chose to take the chance and run the ball knowing the penalty was in the offing but when the ball went loose and a maul started there was some handbags but in a moment of ill discipline a number of punches were thrown and when the referee regained control it ended up with a red card and a reversal of the penalty. This allowed Darts to clear the lines and end the match with a bonus point win.
This was an incredbly entertaining match with both sides giving everything and the result could have gone either way but the young Darts players dug deep and showed great character right to the end.