Report by Tony Mead

Darts U14 girls travelled away for their 2nd game of the season, buoyant from their win the previous week. Today's opposition was a different challenge altogether. Straight from kick off it was clear to see the weather was going to play a part in this. Slippery, wet conditions meant there was multiple knock-ons from both sides which made it a very stop start affair.

Dartford Valley's massive forwards made ground with ball in hand, towering over our slighter forward pack. Despite the constant attack the Dartfordians girls defended with their lives and managed to hold out for 10 mins before the opposition scored their first try. This was the theme for much of the 1st half with 2 more decent tries added to the score line leaving the half time score 15-0 to Valley.
Immediately after the restart Valley were in again this time converting making it 22-0.

Dartfordians girls heads didn't drop. You could start to see our superior fitness show and an arm wrestle of 10 mins or so started to drain the Valley girls who had been excellent all afternoon.

An injury to fly half Anna Foley, who had been a key figure in defence, gave a break in play for the rest of the Darts girls to form their own huddle, instigated by themselves. We still don't know to this day what was said but it was the catalyst for a strong finish to the match. After three loud "DARTS!" the girls sprung into action. Forwards and backs started to drive through the opposition. Storming runs from Sophie, Izzy and Lily-May got us close to the opposition line. Freya was starting to see some of the ball now and was close to breaking free on a couple of occasions but it was eventually Lily-May who went over for the first try. 22-5.

Time was on the side of the Valley girls but more pressure from Dartfordians saw them go through multiple phases before Molly managed to drive over for our second of the afternoon. This one was brilliantly converted by Joanie making the score 22-12. Unfortunately that was to be the final play of the match.

Congrats go to Valley for a great result and we look forward to welcoming them back to ours in December where we hope to be ready for the challenge.

All coaches and parents were so proud of the girls for what they achieved. Hard defence for most of the game didn't deter them from a late comeback and the determination they showed will put them in good stead for the rest of the season.

Forward of the match was our captain for the day Sophie Vosper who ran and tackled hard for the whole match.
Back of the day was Anna Foley who held the defensive back line well and never gave up.

Next up is our first waterfall match v GAS so this test came at the right time.

Tries - Molly, Lily-May
Conversion - Joanie