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

by | Sep 7, 2015 | Dartford Sport

Dartford Valley Rugby Football Club

Junior Vase Qualifier win over Edenbridge on Saturday 5th September 2015

by Gavin Drummond

 

“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.Dartford Valley Rugby Football Club

 Lock Martin Willis got the visitors off to a rampant start after crashing through the opposition from short distance. However, despite having the upper hand in the scrums and in general being the better side, Dartford made life very difficult for themselves. Ill discipline and unnecessary penalties plagued the visitors, allowing Edenbridge to keep within touching distance throughout the game. There was also the rare glimpse of immaturity, particularly when emotions ran high and a tap ‘n’ go was executed rather than taking the easy 3 points.

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.Dartford Valley Rugby Football Club

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.
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