Dartfordians 1s
Matches
Sat 12 Oct 2019  ·  London 1 South
Horsham
38
22
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Dartfordians 1s
Tries: R Chandler, S Allen (2)Conversions: M Briggs (2)Penalties: M Briggs
Darts continue to search for opening win

Darts continue to search for opening win

Dave Phillips13 Oct 2019 - 10:28
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Darts travelled to Horsham looking forward to resuming what has been a great rivalry over many years

Darts travelled to Horsham looking forward to resuming what has been a great rivalry over many years despite their tough start to the season. Unfortunately for the visitors injuries payed another big part in selection with a massively revamped back line which saw Mike Briggs and Joe Scott starting at half back for the first time. Tha match started badly when following a scrum there were a couple of missed tackles which gave the home side an early lead with a converted try 7-0. Darts hit back with a penalty from Briggo following some good pressure play from a lineout. 7-3. The pace of the game was fast on the artificial pitch which made up for the tough conditions in the rain but it was a lineout drive following an infringement from Darts which saw Horsham extend their lead. 14-3. it thrAgain the injury jinx for Darts hit again when hooker Billy Wilsonhad to leave the field making it three hookers down for the club. It was a fairly even may=tch at this stage with the home side slightly more dynamic but the Darts defence was holding out whilst getting used to their new set up. When luck isn't going for you it is tough on the players and a charge down kick bounced perfectly fornthe Horsham player who scored their third try. 21-3. Darts hit back again when an neat inside pass to Ollie Edwards saw him race deep into the opposition half and following some good phase play it was Smiler who went over to score. 21-8. This was just what the visitors needed to get some confidence back but again it was a good box kick which was not handled well and again the bounce favoured the home side side. From an ensuing scrum three missed tackles close in saw Horsham get their bonus point try with the last play of the half 28-8. This was a blow to Darts who looked like they were getting back into the match but there was still a lot to play for in the second half.
The second half started well for Darts with play pushed into the home half and the forwards were getting on top of their opponents and after a great break from Luke Golding the defence was disrupted and following a number of phases it was Sam Allen who went over from close with Briggo converting. 28-15. The pressure was now on and Paddy Briggs who repaced Billy was taking the ball on really strongly getting Darts on the front foot and it was only strong defence which kept Darts from getting another score. It was a match where small errors were making a big impact and it was this that allowed Horsham to get on the front foot and with our back line disorganised they scored a clinical try in the corner which was well converted. 35-15. What looked like a poor penalty decision allowed Horsham to take a kick at goal from close to 50 metres which was duely converted by the impressive home kicker. 38-15. Darts continued to battle on and deservedly scored a further try when having the opposition pack under severe pressure forced a yellow card and then sfter further great phase play it was Sam Allen who went over, Briggo converted. 38-22.
A far better second half which if could have been performed in the first half could have have produced a different result. A fair result with Horsham starting their London 1 season in a terrific way. Darts ned to keep plugging away and working hard and hopefully mor consistency in team selection will start to bring in results. Paddy Briggs was man of the match for the team with a great performance in both tight and loose play.
Next week we host Havant in what will be another tough encounter.

converted by the impressive home kicker 38-15

and it was only

Match details

Match date

Sat 12 Oct 2019

Kickoff

15:00

Competition

London 1 South

League position

5
Horsham
14
Dartfordians
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Kent County RFU