Bonus point win against tough Heathfield side

Darts had another tough fixture against Heathfield and Waldren in tough conditions hoping to continue their good run so far in the league. It was a good fast start for the home team when they were awarded a penalty try when the visitors illegally stopped an almost certain try. 7-0. Heathfield took advantage of the slope and strong wind to put together some good possession rugby and with this pressure their big players went over for their opening try to level the scores. 7-7. Darts hit back immediately and efficiently went through the phases and when Kenny made a great break he went into space and then popped to Si Briggs who went over under the posts. Jonny converted. 14-7. A penalty against Darts allowed Heathfield to kick for position but Darts turned the ball over and attacked well into their opponents half. Darts were comfortable in the lineout but when Heathfield didn't compete at the maul they went round and killed the ball allowing them to clear their lines. A good scrum from Heathfield saw them attack the short side and again their big players forced them over for their second try. 14-12. Alex Vousden was yellow carded following a team warning and from the resulting penalty the visitors took the lead. 14-15. Heathfield looked confident but when Darts stole the ball their attack put them inside the visitors 22 and they forced a penalty which was converted by Jonny to take the led back at half time. 17-15.
Now playing with the elements darts went on the attack again and hoping they would be more clinical than in the first half and they forced another penalty which was again converted by Jonny. 20-15. Darts again used the wind well and they scored in the corner through Sam Cooksley. 25-15. More pressure saw another penalty for Jonny. 28-15. Darts were playing better than in the first half and their tackling was superb all over the pitch belying their size and showing the great character and determination that we have seen for the last couple of seasons. Their line speed was very impressive against some big runners forcing Heathfield out of their comfort zone and following some repeated drives the ball was knocked on and it was Louis Chapman who quickly picked up the loose ball to race 60 metres to score under the posts. Not bad for a prop. Jonny converted. 35-15. Darts were really on top now and stretching away however Heathfield had other ideas and despite having control of the ball they were turned over and the kick through was chased strongly by the visitors who scored their third try which was brilliantly converted from out wide. 35-22. Darts then scored their best try of the match when they went through 21 phases moving the visiting defence into uncomfortable areas before finishing off a fine piece of play with skipper Si Briggs going over. Jonny converted. 42-22. Darts were still not finished and a great run from Liam Brencher saw him beat 3-4 defenders with guile and pure pace to score an individual try which Jonny again converted. 49-22.
Another great win whilst not at their best showing great spirit to get things right and keep going to the end. Good solid lineout and a great scrum against a much bigger pack produced good ball and showed some good running lines. The front row were again superb as was the line out. Throughout the team the tackling was very strong and line speed very fast putting a great deal of pressure on the opposition who were far better than their league position would indicate. They had a good varied game with strong forwards and big backs who were able to move the ball wide at pace.
Diificult to pick a player of the match as the back row of Briggs Wheeler and Golding were superb and Jake Taylor tackled well on the wing but the front row was the start of everything good for Darts so it goes to Vousden, Cooksley and Chapman and Mike Young who ensured it was business as usual when he cam off the bench.