Another bonus point win for Darts

Darts entertained Hove looking to avenge the defeat in the away fixture earlier in the season. As we approach the end of the season when any lost points will put teams out of the promotion race Darts had to get a minimum of a bonus point win.Even though Hove were weakened through unavailability and injury Darts got off to a super start when they took the kick off moved the ball forward and when their kick was allowed to bounce it was the alert OIllie Edwards who pounced on the ball to score under the posts. Mike Briggs converted. 7-0. Hove put on some pressure which was well contained by the home team and following a good drive from a lineout Mike Briggs put in a cross field kick to Liam Brencher. Brench chipped on and although the bounce beat Ollie it was Kieron Ryan who picked up the ball to score in the corner. 12--0. More good workout of defence saw Darts attack again deep in the Hove half but unfortunately a dropped ball stopped the momentum. A great scrum up the hill put Hove on the back foot again but a penalty again stopped any further progress however dominance in the scrum was telling.Eventually after many phases a great line was cut by Callum Loyal and from the subsequent phase it was Kenny Lee went over. Mike again converted. 19-0. Further pressure saw the lead extended with a pen from Mike. 22-0. The pressure from Darts was relentless and the pace at which they were playing was terrific and with the control they had when the ball was shipped through a number of hands it was Kieron Ryan who went over despite the attention of 3 defenders. 29-0. Hove had a great attack when their centre made a great break but a terrific tackle by Ollie stopped the danger inside the Darts 22. Some great counter attacking play saw the ball moved quickly upfield with a great run from skipper Si Briggs and when they produced a massive overlap it was Ollie who had started the attack who went over. Another conversion from Mike. 36-0 at half time.
The second half continued in the same vein as the first with then with Darts using their speed and support play to keep Hove on the back foot and the visitors who although working hard couldn't break out of their half. Following a great grubber kick pressure maintained and the ball turned over and it Ossi who went over for the first score of the half. Mike again converted. 43-0. In their first foray into Darts Hove won a good line out and moved the ball really well and a good move in the backs saw them go over unopposed. 43-7. This motivated Darts and they again regained control. They forced a succession of penalties and opted for scrums each time and following a neat move Connor went over for another try converted by Mike. 50-7. It was now getting tough for Hove as injuries hampered them and when they conceded a penalty Callum Loyal in at scrum half took a quick tap and beat a number of players going over under the posts for another Mike Briggs converted try. 57-7. Darts were in total control and the last try was scored by Ryan Chandler again converted by Mike for a final score of 64-7.

Although Hove were depleted it was a fine performance from Darts who played a high tempo game with a great deal of technical skill and have really found another level over the last few matches and hopefully this will set them up for what is a really important match away at table toppers Medway next weekend. Kieron Ryan had another fine performanc at full back and was given Man of the Match.