Dartfordians 12-39 Medway

MEDWAY came to Bourne Road riding high at the top of the league and Darts were expecting a hard-fought contest against the team who knocked them out of the EDF Vase last season.

Despite numerous changes to the team, Darts were confident their recent form would help them to a good display and move them up the league table.

After winning five or six successive rucks, Darts ran out of players and were turned over by a young and lively Medway side who moved the ball quickly along their back line and recycled it extremely well.

Darts were struggling to contain the visitors and it seemed like Sittingbourne all over again when poor tackling and good play by Medway pushed them into an early 12-0 lead.

The hosts couldn’t get their hands on the ball and last week’s fine defensive work completely disappeared.

Finally they slowed the game down and started to work the scrums and lineouts well, pushing Medway onto the back foot.

From a driving maul Dave Ratcliffe went over for a try which was converted by Tony Mead.

The home supporters were now hoping the game would turn and great work by Dan Taylor in putting in big tackles should have really spurred the team on.

Unfortunately it was insufficient and again great continuity play by Medway saw them score two more tries to lead 22-7 at half-time, despite some good defensive work by Chris Lovell and Jack Phillips.

The second half started and Darts were still winning their own set piece ball, but speed and superior fitness meant that Medway always seemed to have enough defence in depth to stifle any Darts attacks.

Paul Brown had another great match and worked tirelessly for the cause, but Darts continued to get isolated and ball was turned over.

Medway scored a further three tries and the game was lost for Darts.

However, after a series of drives and infringements from Medway, Jarman went over from a quickly-taken free-kick. Darts showed great determination and character in controlling the last 15 minutes of the match and were extremely unlucky not to finish off with a try under the posts when the impressive Brown was expertly held up by the Medway defence.