Saturday 4th March Sidcup 2's Vs Dartfordians 2’s

Saturday 4th March Sidcup 2's Vs Dartfordians 2’s

After the disappointment of losing a first league game of the season last week, it was crucial that Sidcup bounced back and produce a performance in what proved to be a strong test against Dartfordians.

A strong team was selected to play in conditions which could not seem to make up their mind in dictating the patterns of the game: would there be sun and warmth to allow a fast-flowing game, or would wind and rain mean a hard-fought battle amongst the forwards? As kick-off approached, a perfect middle-ground was formed and the game was underway.

Sidcup were looking to start strong in response to last week and earned their reward just minutes into the game. Sidcup's kick off was not properly dealt with and a resulting powerful scrum opened up an opportunity for Pip to crash over the line for the opening score of the day, slightly left of the posts. The try was easily converted and Sidcup had their first points of the day. Not long later, Sidcup had increased their advantage, with a try from Dan coming from some fantastic hands out wide. Although the conversion was missed, Sidcup were still sitting happily on a 12-0 lead.

However, it appeared complacency may kick in. The restart wasn't adequately dealt with and, after a couple of missed tackles in the middle of the park, Darts grabbed a try. Suddenly they were back in the game and Sidcup had to be on their toes. Indiscipline meant Sidcup were punished again, this time with a penalty that was easily stroked home by the Dartfordians 10: Sidcup's lead now looking more in the balance.

This prompted a period of Dartfordians pressure, who seemed to be taking control of the scrums (the first scrum, so dominant for Sidcup, already a distant memory). Sidcup tried to find a way back into the game but were too often found penalised for errors, allowing their opposition to clear safely. From one such lineout, the Darts midfield attempted an audacious cross-field kick which could only be fumbled: Sidcup conceded again and were suddenly facing the prospect of a 2nd consecutive defeat, trailing 12-15
The game appeared to be to-ing and fro-ing now, with both teams attempting runs, passing moves, and trying to take the game by the scruff of the neck. It was clear Dartfordians' plan was to utilise their strong wing-play but couldn't get it past their midfield; Sidcup seemed to be having the reverse problem - throwing the ball away rather than playing through the phase play that had worked so well for them so far this season. Another penalty to Darts and they duly kicked the ball out of play: half time.

Harsh, but necessary words were said at half time, by coaches and Captain Cooper, and Sidcup knew they had to adapt. Somebody needed to step up. However, from the kick-off, Dartfordians caught Sidcup napping with a grubber kick, which ultimately led to another penalty: 12-18.

The resulting kick off seemed to wake Sidcup up though, as they caused the exact same problem in return, earning the penalty. This was duly converted by Dan and with the score now at 15-18, it was well and truly game on. The kick off was taken well by Charlie, who powered into the defensive line to set up a fantastic clearing kick from Sidcup. What should have been a relatively routine pass from the full back to his winger was then inexplicably passed forward. Cooper made a great carry from the resulting scrum and, just a few phases later, John was over for his first Sidcup try in his first game.

With a kick-off that mimicked the previous, Charlie again powered into the Darts defensive line to set up another kick chase. This prompted a period of Darford pressure, but fantastic defensive work meant this came to nothing. After earning a penalty, Sidcup took full advantage of a strong lineout and rumbled over again, with Sean picking up the try from the back of the maul.
Sidcup looked like they were about to take control of the game when an interception in their own 22 meant a Darts 2nd row was able to outpace the entire Sidcup backline to score and level the game (with the help of a conversion) at 25-25. Sidcup, however, were able to regain possession immediately and showed real grit to work the ball across the park in a couple of phases and allow Ollie to score on his first game too.
Sidcup now had their tails up and were starting to look the fitter team. A powerful pick and go allowed John to score his 2nd of the day (easily converted by Mike) and he would have got a hat trick too after a great run on the wing, where 4 Darts players tried, and failed, to take him down before one was ultimately successful.

With the clock dead, Dartford tried a series of tap and go's from several penalties which could not break down the impressive Sidcup defence. After winning a turnover, Sidcup showed their attitude to the game by going for one more play, which lead to a Chris Neal try in the corner. The conversion was missed as the last kick of the game: 42-25

Ultimately, this Dartfordians team - while offering many problems in the first half - could not sustain this pressure over the full 80 minutes and Sidcup were allowed to add some gloss to a much needed win. A man of the match performance from Charlie, complimented by a debut try for centre Ollie and two debut tries for front row John, meant Sidcup could move beyond the pain of last week's loss and ensure their focus was on the season long goal: winning the league.

Written by Charlie Warner