Darts snatch late victory in tight encounter

After last weeks easy win Darts travelled to Beckenham who themselves had recorded a emphatic win in the first week. Both sides are looking at the automatic promotion place, so it was going to be an early season test of our skills and resolve. Before kick off the rain fell which had its effect on the game that followed. The early exchanges set the tone for most of the match as Beckenham put pressure on the Darts attacking line with a number of big hits. The referee clearly did not like the picture Darts were painting in defence as the away side conceded a number of early penalties which only gave the home side confidence. Therefore it was no surprise when after 9 minutes the home side decided to take a shot a goal which the home kicker converted for an early 3-0 lead. This seemed to wake Darts from their slumber as from the restart they began to apply pressure of their own and after a couple of minutes it was the home sides turn to be penalised and Jonny Regnier stepped up to level the scores at 3 a piece. Even at this early stage the game was a close tense affair with the home side sending their strike runners into the heart of the Darts midfield and against such attacks the Darts tackling had to be low and aggressive and so it was. When they did eventually gain field position the lineout was won well and from the ruck Sam Cooksley broke free from the home defence and a nicely timed pass found Simon Briggs on his shoulder who scampered over for a try under the post and with Jonny Regnier adding the extra points Darts had, despite all the home side pressure, a handy lead 3-10. However Darts problems with the referee continued as shortly after the score Stephen Garrett was shown a yellow card, and not for the first time the remaining 14 players had to work hard to contain the home side who thought their time to control the score board had come. But these Darts player pride themselves on their defence and their defence was once again strong. As the half came to an end, and Darts restored to 15 players, Beckenham were once again present with a penalty in front of the posted and took the 3 points on offer to reduce their deficit to 6-10.

Half time 6-10, with the skipper asking for even more effort and control to maintain the lead.

The second half started with Beckenham continuing where they left off, only to find the Darts defence to be as tight as it had been during a tense first half. But the Darts payers were slowly beginning to ask their own questions of the home defence, with some strong carriers from the forwards and then trying to release their strike runners. But still the game was close. It was therefore a bit disappointing that the Darts defence was breached and while the scramble defence stop the immediate threat Beckenham were on the front foot and after a number of phases created an overlap to run in for a try, but the conversion was missed and the Beckenham lead was a slender 11-10. With plenty of time left Darts stepped up their work rate and began to show better control and began to force Beckenham back inside their own 22m area. But still either inaccuracy or the referee meant the home defence stood firm, urged on by the vocal home support. However this side is made of stern stuff and play a full 80 minutes each week and so they went about their work with renewed conviction and purpose, knowing they had nicked this fixture in the final minute last season; so would history repeat itself? Darts went through the phases, from a driving maul they were denied after being held up over the try line and then turned over the ball allowing Beckenham to clear the danger but now their kicking game was under pressure and allowed Darts back three to run the ball back and gain field position. From a lineout Darts went through the phases again. Showing good control and composure, eventually the ball found Luke Golding who forced his way over for an unconverted try and the lead, 11-15. The restart was field by Darts and with relief sent into touch to win the game!

Perhaps not our most fluid display, especially after last week, but against one of the form sides it was a good win on the road.
To our travelling supporters a big thank you for your support, It makes all the difference when players look up and see their own fans supporting them in a tough away game.

The coaches know that there are still things to work on for those 1% improvements but were so proud of all 18 players and they way they stuck to their task. So to select man of the match was tough, but for his work in dealing with Beckenham's large loosehead prop throughout the game Louis Chapman was given man of the match.

Next week we host Pulborough, who came up last season and at present are finding life at this level a little harder.