Dartfordians 1s
Matches
Sat 07 Apr 2018  ·  London 2 South East
Welcome to Dartfordians RFC
Dartfordians 1s
Tries: L Brencher (2), O Edwards (2), L Golding, J Regnier (3), J ScottConversions: J Regnier (6)Yellow Carded: O Edwards
57
36
Old Alleynians
Darts return to winning ways in 15 try encounter.

Darts return to winning ways in 15 try encounter.

Jarrod Lawrence9 Apr 2018 - 10:52
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On a pleasant day we welcomed Old Alleynains to the Memorial Ground for the last home game of the season in front of a large crowd, fuelled by a Steve Taylor prepared pre match lunch.

Darts return to winning ways in 15 try encounter.

On a pleasant day we welcomed Old Alleynains to the Memorial Ground for the last home game of the season in front of a large crowd, fuelled by a Steve Taylor prepared pre match lunch.

What followed was a display of attacking rugby with both sides looking to express themselves in a positive way and scoring some good individual, opportunistic and team tries..OAs were a stubborn opponent in cold and damp conditions just before Christmas, so it was no surprise that today in better conditions they continued to prove this league has no easy games. The home side came out of the blocks clearly intent on playing a high tempo brand of rugby, but early eagerness meant that the accuracy was not quite there. Indeed OAs pounced on an early mistake to take an early lead with a converted try. 0-7. A few minutes later the home side suffered another setback when Ollie Edwards was given a yellow card. OAs took full advantage of this set back, and with the home side still reorganising themselves OAs struck again with an unconverted try. 0-12. So with just over 10 minutes gone, and a man down, the more side were already being ask tough questions of their resolve. As so often this season this young side stepped up to the challenge and, while playing at a high tempo, the passing became more accurate, support runners picking better lines and discipline was good, so it was no surprise when the side created space wide out for Liam Brencher who took his opportunity to beat the covering defence to fashion the home sides first unconverted try, 5-12. With the home side restored to 15 men they continued to show the confidence of a side which has played some outstanding rugby this season, with the forwards controlling their own scrums and lineout, Danny Taylor and Jonny Regnier were allowed to control the game, especially in the first half. In the final 20 minutes of the half the side fashioned three well worked tries, firstly Ollie Edwards ran a good line beating his opposite number on the outside to beat the covering defence to score under the posts, with the conversion added by Jonny Regnier, to level the scores 12-12. Moments later Jonny Regnier made an excellent break and found Ollie Edwards on his shoulder to score another try under the posts and with Jonny Regnier adding the conversion a lead was established, 19-12. OAs were still asking question of the home defence, who had the answers, and when Darts had the ball OAs scrambling defence was being stretched but proved to be stubborn. So when from an attacking lineout the pack's forward momentum was stopped the side worked the phases and finally found Luke Golding on the right wing to score the teams fourth and bonus point try, and with Jonny Regnier adding the difficult conversion the lead was extended to 26-12. The half time was reached with no further score and both sides having contributed to a good game of rugby with 6 tries. You had to wonder what the second half could offer?

The second half saw the home side hit the ground running; a poor clearance kick which did not find touch was gathered by Liam Brencher just inside his own half and close to the touchline, and with single minded determination he set off on one of those runs that we mere mortals can only dream of. Liam side stepped his way around the OAs defence to score a great solo try, and with Jonny Regnier adding the conversion the lead was extended 33-12. Clearly now both sides were enjoying their rugby because there followed a procession of scores, so well worked tries, couple of interceptions and yet both defences making excellent tackles. Firstly Jonny Regnier scampered over for an unconverted try, 38-12 - but OAs came straight back with a converted try to once again reducing the deficit 38-19. After brief periods of cancelling each other out the tries began to flow in almost regular 5 minute intervals; Jonny Regnier once again showed his eye for a gap and scored a try which he converted, 45-19; the home side then showed their team skills and composure to fashion a gap out wide which Joe Scott finished off extending the lead 50-19. The game was under the home team control but OAs have never been a side to give up and they continued to apply pressure when the opportunity presented itself and scored a try to reduce the deficit; 50-26. This only meant the home side worked themselves into another good opportunity which again was taken by Jonny Regnier, who once again added the conversion, 57-26.Any thoughts that this was the end of the scoring were wide of the mark as in the last 10 minutes OAs created two good scoring opportunities which were taken, although both were unconverted for a final score of 57-36.

On a fine day both sides had produced a great game of attacking rugby, scoring 15 tries between them which the crowd can only have appreciated. It is a testament to our defence over the season and to OAs determination that 36 points is the most we have conceded all season, and the first score over 30 points and that is after 21 games. While we have scored freely at times we have had the meanest defence in the league, even after this game we average only 14 points conceded a game indeed only the second time we have given up a try scoring bonus point; which shows the amount of hard work the players have put in this season, both at training and on match days.

Once again the players and support team wish to thank the large crowd for their support, to the minis that turned out for a guard of honour; the current group of players are keeping the 1s shirts warm for you when it is your turn to wear it and write your own chapter in the clubs history.

To receive the shield for winning the league in front of your home crowd after such a good season is one that the whole club should take great pride in. Such opportunities do not come along every season and the players, coaching staff and physio team appreciate the support the whole club has given this season.

On a day when everyone played their part in a display of attacking rugby, Alex Vousden who once again showed his versatility when playing hooker, to Connor Sutherland for his fine display of juggling of a rugby ball and hard lines of running; the coaches gave Man of the Match to Jonny Regnier for his tries and the way he control the game.

Next week we finish the season away at Barking, who have suffered the polar opposite emotions this season but have continued to fight hard in the face of such adversity. At home they will want to finish their season on a positive note so a tough game can be expected.

Match details

Match date

Sat 07 Apr 2018

Kickoff

15:00

Competition

London 2 South East

League position

1
Dartfordians
8
Old Alleynians
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Kent County RFU