Dartfordians show resolve to bounce back

Dartfordians returned to Bourne Road to host another tough game against a Havant side who are having a slow start to this season. As Sam Cooksley had played there during his university days we knew they would be a tough outfit. With the game played in a steady drizzle both side were looking to move the ball around which lead to handling errors but these only make the game more exciting for the large crowd as each side tried to exploit the others errors. The first half saw that the game was close with too well matched sides, Havant had the size advantage while Dartfordians work rate meant that each side had periods of early pressure but slippery handling allowed each side to relieve the pressure. So it was surprise that the early exchanges were tightly contested and that each side took the points on offer as they exchanged a series of penalties in the second 20 minutes of the half. The kicking dual was won by Dartfordians as Mike Briggs slotted three successful kicks to give his side as slender lead 9 - 6. It was during this period that the home side made an enforce change with Louis Chapman moving from blind side flanker back to his more normal position of tighthead prop; with Dan Sweeney making his league debut at blindside. The scrums had been an even affair but the change meant that the home side were able to apply more pressure and slowly gain the upper hand as the match progressed. With the half drawing to a close the home side found themselves on the attack, Mike Briggs got the ball in hand and made a good break which caught Havant napping as he found a half gap and showing a nice turn off speed he forced himself under the posts for a try, and with him adding the extra points the home side ended the half with a slender lead 16 - 6.

The second half start well for Havant as an early penalty allowed them to reduce the deficit to 16 - 9. This was the start of a period when Havant were able to apply pressure and kept the home side defence busy; while limiting its opportunities to attack It was during this period that Havant were able to break the deadlock and score and unconverted try reducing the deficit to 16 - 14. However this Dartfordians side continues to prove that whoever wears the maroon and gold shirt contributes to a great team spirit. Everyone was positive and from the restart pressure was applied. During this period Havant saw a player sent to the bin for a 10 minute break. While the score board was not effected by his absence there was a sense that there was a shift of power towards the home side as Havant conceded several scrum penalties, which allowed for field pressure to be applied. With the game heading towards its final phases a series of strong carries and drives saw the home side applying pressure to the Havant try line, the ball finally found Paddy Briggs who took the direct route to the try line, and with older brother Mike Briggs adding the conversion the home side had a little bit of day light on the score board; 23-14. This encouraged the home side to look for that killer blow which could close out the game on the score board, but in the wet conditions both sides were guilty of letting the wet ball dictate the game, but with a strong scrum the home side were able to retain a degree of control, which allowed them to play on the front foot. From such a moment Mike Briggs saw Liam Brencher out wide and with a well judge kick which was field on the run Liam Brencher found space, perhaps for the first time, and was able to wrong foot the covering defence to run in under the posts for a try and with Mike Briggs adding the extra points the lead look adequate at 30-14. However Havant having finished close to the top of the table last season and continued to fight for the opportunity of a losing bonus point and looked for the scoring opportunities, so with the clock running down they made a strong break in the mid field, the home side fell of a few tackles and the Havant made good ground to score under the posts and with time up added the extra points.

Final score 30-21

Havant finished last season just off the top two, so are a side who are well established in this league. Thus to secure a win, especially after last week experiences, shows that his side are adapting to the demands of both the physicality and pace of the teams around them. Yes there may be tough days ahead but we are learning with each passing game and such close well fought encounters can only make us stronger.

To all the fans that braved the conditions, from both Darts and those hardy souls who make the journey from Havant I hope that the display by both set of players defied the conditions to produce a hard well fought encounter, no quarter given or asked. The return fixture in January should be an interesting affair? From the home side view point the whole squad made a number of strong performances; special mention to Mike Briggs for his 20 points; but the coaches decided Louise Chapman would be given the man of the match for his work rate as an emergency blindside flanker and that of his normal day job propping the scrum.

Next week we head south to Brighton who currently sit top of the table, to be the best you have to play the best!