Closely fought game at Dartfordians

3 varied teams took the field for this weeks friendly against Dartfordians for 3 20 minute games.

The first session was the strongest each side could put out which was a hard fought battle but with Gravesend dominating territory if not possession they managed to sneak the session 2 tries to 1 with the score 12-7. Patrick Murray opened the scoring with an excellent powerful run, and Ben Stellfox was on hand to intercept the ball on Dartfordians line following some good line speed putting Dartfordians under pressure on their own line. A lapse in defensive shape towards the end allowing Dartfordians to take advantages of a gap out wide with their player showing excellent pace to outflank the Gravesend backs and finish an excellent solo effort.

The second session was predominantly made up of developing players and some poor Gravesend tackling in defence allowed Dartfordians to run through for two early tries. However Gravesend worked their way back into the game and had some purposeful runs from Toby Dennison and Finlay Pavey putting Gravesend firmly into Dartfordians half. Ben Hope then took advantage of a fragmented defence to find a gap and score a good solo effort which he converted. Final session score 12 -7 to Dartfordians.

The final session saw Dartfordians dominate territory and they forced their way over following some brave defence from Gravesend. Gravesend kicked deep and challenged Dartfordians line in the closing minutes with Alfie Howden forcing his way over. Unfortunately the conversion attempt from Ben Hope although well struck went narrowly wide of the left post so Dartfordians took the session 7-5 and an overall scoreline of 26 -24 to Darts.

Having said this rugby was the real winner with over 50 players getting further match time experience and development.