Unbeaten start to the season continues with bonus point win

Dartfordians took their unbeaten record to Deal & Betteshanger knowing that a bonus point win would be required to keep them ahead of the chasing pack and despite the differing league position this had always been a tricky place to visit in past seasons.
From the kick off Deal went about their work with a purpose and while Dartfordians dealt with the initial kick off well they conceded an early penalty, which on this pitch was well within range of a decent kicker, and hence found themselves behind 3-0 and were reminded, if that was required, that being unbeaten league leaders brings its own pressure as the opposition want to be the first to topple you! However this side is no pushover and within a couple of minutes a lineout was well won, and after a number of strong carries and with the ball being well recycled, it was eventually put through the hands for Mike Briggs to go over for an unconverted try. 3-5. As has often been the case this season this Dartfordians side went about their work both in attack; with Deal showing a defensive determination in front of their own home crowd; and defence when called upon against some strong large home runners; with skill and a team determination not to be dominated. Danny Taylor was urging his forwards on who, as usual, were not found wanting with everyone of them looking to carry into the heart of the home defence. So after a number of strong pieces of phase play the home side were penalised and Jonny Regnier stepped up to slot over the penalty to extend a hard earnt lead; 3-8. As has often been the case this season a larger opposition scrum held no fear for this Dartfordians pack as they began to dominate which put the home side under more pressure and only good work by their 8 dealing with a scrum in retreat stopped further damage. But with the lineout also functioning well and the backs looking to exploit what little space there was on this pitch Dartfordians looked to extend the scoreboard pressure. From a lineout Dartfordians set up their maul and edged their way, at a decent pace, to the Deal try line which saw Simon Briggs go over for the try and with Jonny Regnier adding the extra points there was clear daylight between the sides, 3-15. The rest of the half followed a similar pattern as a strong Deal defence worked hard to contain this young Dartfordians side who were looking to find its way through either with their forwards pick and go or using the backs to create space with their pace. Indeed when Deal had the ball the Dartfordians tackling was just as effective and the game entered a period when defences held sway. Indeed much to their credit Deal stopped Dartfordians several times on their own try line so with the half heading towards its conclusion Dartfordians gained a penalty with Jonny Regnier slotted over to extend the lead, 3-18 which was the final half time score

At the start of the second half the Dartfordians scrum once again was dominate and from the following phase there was some good interaction between the forwards and when it was easier to score the final pass went to ground. However the pressure was maintained and once again good hands saw Alex Vousden go over for an unconverted try to extend the lead, 3-23. With 3 tries to their name, and a comfortable lead, Dartfordians went in search of that important fourth try and the bonus point it would bring and hopefully finally put a very stubborn home side away. So its credit to Deal that they continued with their strong defence, mixed with the occasional pick and go, the teams cancelled each other out. When Dartfordians were finally able to apply pressure it was through the scrum. A number of attacking scrums close to the Deal line finally saw the referee loose patient with the home side sending their flanker to the bin for 10 minutes and from the next scrum the referee decided the home side had stop a certain try and he awarded a penalty try to Dartfordians, that's the second in two weeks! This extended the lead to 3-30 and gave Darts the important bonus point. This season Dartfordians have shown a maturity that means that past weaknesses have been put aside and when in such a commanding positions they continue to stick to the game plan while playing a brand of attacking rugby which involves forwards and backs in a display of handling skills. Yes the odd ball may go to ground or be forced but they continue to believe. So it was no surprise when Dartfordians were once again on the attack. The ball was worked to the left hand of the pitch and then quickly moved right finding Connor Sutherland who ran a great line to go over almost untouched for a try and with Jonny Regnier adding the extra points the lead continued to build. 3-37. In the final minutes of the game and with Deal looking to gain something tangible from their fine defensive display Jonny Regnier scored an interception try, which he converted to extend the lead 3-44.
This was a fine team display against a Deal side who, despite the final score, defended as well as any side we have faced this season. Therefore the final score line says much about this young Dartfordians side and the way the are playing this season. Credit goes to the players and coaching staff as our forwards set piece work is a credit to the work the players and coaches put in each week in the search for those 1% improvements, this in turn allows the backs to express themselves from a position of strength looking to use their pace and those moves practice each week.
Once again everyone of the 18 players played a big part in a strong win. Therefore it was, as in previous weeks, it was difficult to select a man of the match. But this week they felt that the skipper Simon Briggs was worthy of the prize for both his leadership and all round play, both in defence and attack.
To our usual band of loyal supporters, who this week were supplemented by Monty's birthday travelling band brothers (Deal's bar profit will certainly look very healthy this week), the usual big thank you for your support.

Next week we welcome Hove to the Memorial Ground. They are sitting just behind us in second place, with one defeat, so will arrive full of confidence. But to be the best you have to beat the best of the rest, thus enjoy the win because next week we train for a different challenge.