1:18pm Tuesday 16th March 2010
By Dave Phillips
DARTFORDIANS travelled to Sparrows Den knowing a win would almost certainly secure the promotion they have deserved this season.
Conditions were perfect for rugby, dry and fair with a pitch which, although square, was forgiving under foot.
The hunger and desire had returned to the Dartfordians dressing room and could be sensed by coaches Phillips, Ellard and Sargent as they walked to the sideline for the game to begin.
Darts kicked off and were immediately awarded a scrum for a knock-on on Old Becs’ 22.
The ball was heeled and driven some 10 yards before Garry Jarman picked up at eight.
He was stopped just short of the line but fed it Danny Taylor to score.
Griggs converted and Darts were 7-0 up inside 30 seconds.
The second try was to follow shortly after with Taylor returning the favour this time and putting Jarman home in the corner. Griggs converted from the touchline.
Darts were completely dominating the forward battle and when a ball was taken against the head in the scrum, fast hands spread it wide and Victor Ndu scored in the corner.
Old Becs just couldn’t live with Darts’ superior power upfront and started to concede a string of penalties.
Griggs accepted one chance to keep the score board ticking over and the lead was increased to 22-0.
Further forward pressure resulted in a penalty try, which Griggs converted.
Half-time loomed but Darts ran a set play from a lineout, which freed the rampaging Jarman.
He handed off several players before dotting down under the posts.
Griggs converted and the ref blew for half time with the score 34-0.
The second half seemed to start without Darts.
Jarman dropped the ball over the line and Old Becs continued to frustrate their opponents with a high penalty count.
It wasn’t until the ref was forced to sin bin Old Becs’ centre for keeping on killing the ball when Darts woke up.
Good hands in the back line saw John Colmer skip over for two well-taken tries out wide, both converted by Griggs.
Darts took the opportunity to try some new moves out during game time, which worked well until Old Becs’ winger intercepted a loose pass to score under the posts , with five minutes remaining.
This only spurred Darts on to have the final score and they delivered when Hambridge scored a classic in front of the travelling darts supporters.
Darts entertain Cranbrook at the War Memorial ground on Saturday in a first versus second clash knowing they are the only team with a mathematical chance of catching them.
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