A Valentine’s Day thriller on the south coast saw Dartfordians Men’s 1st XV push league leaders Brighton all the way in a dramatic 47–40 encounter that delivered eight tries, multiple lead changes and two hard-earned bonus points on the road.

Brighton struck first to take a 5–0 lead, but Dartfordians responded in style with two quick-fire scores to turn the contest on its head at 14–5. That purple patch rattled the hosts, yet Brighton showed why they top the table, replying with three tries of their own as the momentum swung back and forth in a breathless first half.

The see-saw nature continued. Dartfordians edged ahead again at 26–14 before Brighton narrowed the gap, the half closing with the visitors holding a slender advantage after an absorbing opening 40 minutes.

The second half began with authority from the visiting pack. A penalty line-out 10 metres out resulted in a powerful catch-and-drive under the posts — a theme that would define much of Dartfordians’ attacking threat. Brighton responded quickly, capitalising on missed tackles to score under the posts and keep the pressure on.

Despite losing the fly-half to injury, Dartfordians’ forward dominance remained evident. Repeated penalties allowed for further line-out platforms, including a huge drive from 35 metres that rumbled deep into Brighton territory before another maul crossed the line. One conversion agonisingly bounced back off the upright — a small but telling moment in such a tight contest.

Discipline on both sides played a part, with yellow cards issued and territory changing hands rapidly. Brighton exploited gaps out wide to stay within striking distance, before late pressure told. A scrum penalty five metres out — one of the few times the Dartfordians pack yielded ground — set up the decisive line-out, from which Brighton drove over on the final whistle.

Final score: Brighton 47 – 40 Dartfordians