Sunday's Kent Cup first round fixture at Crescent Farm saw Sidcup, despite fielding a weakened XV, overwhelm a game but totally outclassed Brockleians team 71-0, scoring 11 tries in a one-sided match.

With Sidcup high up in London 3 South East League and Brocks struggling in Kent One, it was always going to be a no-hope situation for the underdogs.

Brockleians were also much weakened by the absence of five of their regular first-teamers not being available and having two others injured.

Sidcup welcomed back Mark Watson from injury at centre, while winger Gavin Hylton made his first appearance of the season, as did Sean Powell.

Sidcup were soon camped in the Brockelieans' half and several impressive handling movements resulted in five first-half tries.

The talented Barry Jackson was always a threat from full-back with his surging runs into the line and he scored a superb hat-trick of tries.

And Hylton made his mark with two touchdowns as Sidcup established a 33-0 interval lead.

Early on, Brockleians had strove hard by bravely running two short penalties on the few rare occasions they made Sidcup's 22-metre line during the period when they were only seven points down, when perhaps a goal attempt might have proved more rewarding.

An early second-half try by Darryl Vas preceded his substitution by Scott McLean, while the impressive Steve Amura, on the right wing, much involved in some of the first-half scores,was ultimately and deservedly rewarded with two of his own in the closing minutes.

In between, Sidcup notched three further tries, one each by Hylton to complete his hat-trick and Jackson's fourth, as well as the last, richly deserved, by centre Nick Roddis.

Eight of the 11 tries were converted three by Watson before he gave way to the evergreen Tony Davies and five by the always

reliable Grant Vowls.

This Saturday, Sidcup return to league duties with a demanding fixture away to leaders Worthing. Kick-off is at 2.15p.m.

Last season's fixture there was won with a fine performance in atrocious ground conditions. Better conditions will be hoped for this year and a similar result.

Dartfordians' first-team was left with a blank weekend after their opponents New Ash Green pulled out of their home Kent Cup 1st round tie at the last minute on Sunday.

The Darts' 2nd XV went down

24-5 at home in a friendly against Beckenham, while the third XV had a good victory over Darenth Valley's 2nd XV

This Saturday, Darts' first-team returns to League action with an away game at East Grinstead.

November 27, 2001 12:37