A young and much changed demons team took on table toppers Canterbury at Bourne Rd and it was a lively start to the match. The visitors were using some strong runners to try and breakthrough in midfield while Darts were moving the ball wider using Bexley's pace and footwork to good advantage. Canterbury then had a period of where they controlled the ball well and eventuallu moved the ball wide to score a good try in the corner. 7-With determined defense the young Demons players were looking good and eventually after some controlled play in the forwards it was Joe Cary who went over for the opening try which was converted by Adam McKeirnon 7-0. Canterbury then had a period of where they controlled the ball well and eventuallu moved the ball wide to score a good try in the corner. 7-5. Darts kept the pressure on and looked like they would score a second but were hit by a sucker punch when a loose ball was quickly picked up by Canterbury and their winger ran from deep in his own half to outpace the home players to score and convert. 7- 10. This knocked a bit of confidence from the young Demons and this allowed Canterbury to dominate although their committment couldnt be faulted. An attackfrom deep from the visitors took play just inside the Darts half but unfortunately Tom Peryer was yellow carded for a high tackle which seemed a little harsh. This allowed Canterbury to use their man advantage and eventually they created the overlap and scored in the corner. 7-15 at half time.
The second half started and the pattern of play was similar and again the yellow card was punished when Canterbury scored again out wide finding the space. 7-22. At this stage it looked all over for the Demons however everyone of the team really put in everything they could to get back into the match and after numerous phases combining forwards and backs it was Joe Johnson who went over under the posts with Adam again converting. 15-22. This was just the tonic the Demons needed and they were looking strong in the forwards and lively in the backs and when the ball went loose Pete Essien picked it up inside his own half and go on a fantastic run to score a superb individual try. Adam again converted to take the score to 21-22. Game on. Unfortunately a missed touch kick allowed the investors to counterattack and a speculative kick to the corner bounced erratically which wrong footed the Darts defenders and the Canterbury pounce to score. 21-27. Dartes weren't finished and Christian Broadfoot was so close ro scoring but was held up over the line. From the subsequent goal line drop out Tom Peryer took the ball on from half way before passing to Alfie Flaxman who scored in the corner. 26-27. This now saw a frenetic ending to the match with the visitors trying to make sure of the victory but again great defensive work made sure they didnt cross the line and the match ended with the visitors probably just deserving the win.
Some great performances with Tom P, Alfie and Pete Essien looking dangerous in the backs and youngsters Sid Rackley, Adam Selley and Dan Lane very impressive in the forwards.