Derby Day at Rectory Field

It was a scrappy start and Dartfordians were awarded three penalties inside the first five minutes, so it came as no surprise that the visitors found themselves 3 points up with just six minutes on the clock. Dartfordians had a strong scrum and most of the possession, although Gravesend won an early turnover and looked to be running the ball up the pitch, but a chip up field went into touch and possession was given back to Dartfordians. With 12 minutes on the clock and a fifth penalty, Dartfordians found themselves 6-0 up.

It took Gravesend 17 minutes to find their momentum but with this came territory and a long kick to touch from a penalty gave the hosts a good scoring opportunity. However, it wasn’t to be and it was Dartfordians who scored the first try at the end of the second half, along with the conversion, to take the score to 13-0 to the visitors with 38 minutes gone. Another penalty going Dartfordians’ way could have given them an even bigger lead, but it was a long range attempt that had the distance but not the direction. The half time score was 13-0 to Dartfordians, as the spectators got wetter, colder and more than a little concerned about what they were seeing.

The second half opened in much the same fashion with Dartfordians kicking yet another penalty to add another three points to their score. But then Gravesend found some fortune and a penalty kick to touch resulted in a drive over the line and a score for the home team. The extra two points from the conversion meant the score was a more respectable 7-16 with 51 minutes gone. Gravesend obviously realised that this tactic was going to work for them and whilst one attempt left them empty-handed, Dartfordians had pulled the maul down and another penalty to Gravesend meant they could try again and, this time, they were successful. Two tries in 10 minutes took the score to 12-16 and suddenly things were getting exciting.

Rhys Betts was sent to the sin bin for a late tackle and Dartfordians took the opportunity to widen the score once more, and make Gravesend have to score more than one try to fight for the win. Fight they did, and yet another lineout and drive over the line - along with the conversion - levelled the scores at 19-19.

The final score stayed at 19-19 and Gravesend’s epic comeback (with a second half score of 19-3 to the hosts) was an achievement in itself, but ultimately fell just short of the mark.

Match Report by Fran Holmes