Great performance by young Saints despite loss

The Saints started the season against a very strong and experienced Blackheath team and their young side aquitted themselves really well in steamy hot conditions. Darts started with an early pen which they kicked for the linout but unfortunately this was turned over and the visitors kicked the ball 60 metres inside the Darts 22. A good take in the lineout was sent to the backs and a pop to their big running centre saw him go over from close in. 0-7. The visitors were a lot bigger and older than Darts and were using this to great advantage but Darts were tackling well and competing well although on the defensive. A good scrum form Blackheth saw the move the ball to another strong runner who drew in three defenders before timing a great pass to their unmarked winger who s cored in the corner. 0-12. Unfortunately the kick off went directly into touch and from the scrum on halfway it was again the big centre who charged through only to be brilliantly tackled by 18 yearold Dan Jack however the ball was offloaded from 4 metres out for Blackheath to score their third try. 0-19. Blackheath were using their experience really well and stretching the Darts defence and it was another great tackle this time from 18 year old Dylan Armitage stopped another attack. The pressure was telling but Darts were holding out until a penalty gave the visitors a chance to kick for the corner winning the linout and using strong running to score and convert. 0-26. Darts continued to work hard and this effort was rewarded with a number of penalties. Some great drives from Jack Pearson who had come on at prop, maybe his first go at that position, and when the ball was recycled a number of times the ball was moved wide and Dylan went over to score on his senior debut. 5-26.
The second half started and darts had more confidence from the late first half score. The match was now more even and they were forcing penalties from the visitors . Although giving some pens away themselves the second half eas good for the home side. The experience of Tony Mead and Danny Taylor was helping the side and Joe Clare, another debutant, along with Jack pearson were making good inroads but theuy couldn't get another score on the board. There was also a great debut fro Sam Jossa and the return of Joe Rees after 2 years away playing Rugby League showed the club has a lot a of talent coming through which can only be good for the club.