Edenbridge 15 – 18 Dartford Valley – News – Dartford ‘Valley’ RFC

“A kick is only as good as the chase.” James Yates

Dartford Valley qualified for the national Junior Vase competition after a nervy encounter at Coomb Field, Edenbridge. They now face Surrey Division 1 side Old Wimbledonians in round 1 next Saturday.

None of this however should detract from an excellent brand of attacking rugby that Dartford brought to the game. It must be said that it was actually the organised defending that secured the victory and kept Edenbridge’s slick backline away from the try line.

Perhaps the biggest talking point of them all was Dartford’s second try. Fly Half Johnny O’Connor misplaced a penalty kick just wide of the posts, but crucially still in play. Edenbridge had a lapse in concentration, allowing winger Ollie Tite to sweep up the loose ball and ground it for a try.

Will Frost and Nick Bayford had impressive debuts, both providing powerful running and constantly crossing the gainline. Man of the Match Ben Orcan was his usual industrious self and made crucial turn overs.

The final whistle was met with sighs of relief, Edenbridge had chased hard and they’ll be supporters propping up the bar tonight ruing Dartford’s “lucky” try. The jury’s out on that one, but Edenbridge had only themselves to blame on this occasion. After all, a kick is only as good as the chase.