Dogmans Report

The Sidcup Under 11’s travelled to local rivals Dartfordians on Sunday 30th January. In addition to the hosts and Sidcup the other visitors where Sittingbourne. Following repeated requests from all and sundry for match reports following previous matches I have finally worked out how to use the website and a summary of how the events unfolded is as follows.

The Sittingbourne team only brought a squad of nine so it was agreed with the coaches of Dartfordians that we would play a warm up game against Dartfordians followed by a mixed team against Sittingbourne and finally the main event of the Day (15 minutes each way) against Dartfordians A.

On arrival we learned that our redoubtable wing Isaac was suffering from a virus and was not available. Rumours that he was actually undergoing a trial match with Blackheath remain unfounded! We also learned that our coach Jim Roques was also unavailable due to ill health. Rumours that he was also on trial with Footscray have yet to be confirmed! It was also good to see a couple of our injured players (Sam Jinks and Luis) turning up to support the boys. That is great to see and what rugby is all about!

Due to Sittingbournes depleted squad it was agreed that their fixtures would become Barbarians events with the numbers being made up by either Dartfordians or Sidcup dependant on the opposition. This gave some of our newer players (Ryan (new), Oliver, Max, Matthew, Josh (new)) a chance for extended run-outs. This experience can only help them and they all acquitted themselves well but with plenty of things to learn at this early stage of their rugby careers.

Sidcup v Sittingbourne (plus Darts)

On the evidence of the first few games it was agreed that Sidcup A would be too strong for Sittingbourne so the Sidcup coaches devised a masterplan of taking off each player who scored a try or put in a decent piece of play. Thus by half time the majority of the starting team had been replaced and every player in the squad made a contribution to what was an easy win. I would particularly highlight here a first start for our newest player (Rees) who despite being unsure initially joined in with the training of the boys and eventually decided the time was right to take the field in this game. He looked a good prospect and now he is part of the fold he looks like a really useful prospect.

Dartfordians v Sidcup - The main event!

Sidcup Starters were – Reece Novo, Ryan Powell, Jack Davenport, Campbell Crouser, Jonathan Cain, Josh Barton, James Innes, Toby Baldwin, Billy Hally, Jack Dash, Ethan Nightingale, Jo Leigh (Captain). Replacement – Ben Coleman for Jack Davenport (half time)

Sidcup took the field knowing that a significant improvement was required if local pride was to be restored. We had stressed that the pack would have to front up otherwise we could expect to be on the wrong side of a sound beating. A special mention here for our new prop Jack Davenport who despite only starting rugby this season stood up well to the big Dartfordians front row whose forwards are coached by try scoring prop (not!) Jim Davy who once graced the hallowed Old Farm Crescent pitches with considerable success. The Dartfordians pack took it to the Sidcup boys in the first half and whilst we creaked (Darts scoring two well taken tries following good forward driving) we never broke turning around 2:1 down with a well taken (if hotly debated) try by our speedster Jack Smith (Dash). It was agreed afterwards that Jack would dive into the corner if similar circumstances prevailed rather than stopping for a brief snack and chat with their winger prior to placing the ball!

At half time Billy Hally who had been a key figure all day and Ethan Nightingale (our fast improving centre / winger) were carrying cuts and bruises but were determined to bravely soldier on. Ben Coleman who had impressed in his earlier run outs was brought on for Jack Davenport and his strong set piece play bolstered the forward effort.

It was clear that the next score would be vital and up stepped our Captain Joseph Leigh to level the scores after a strong run. With the scores level the more mobile Sidcup pack began to come to the fore with Novo, Powell, Crouser and Cain winning the breakdowns and supporting well in open play. A number of loose balls were secured and from one of these the ball was fed from Josh Barton to James Innes to Toby Baldwin (who had a very strong all round game) to Jack Dash who scorched in from 25 yards for a great team score.

There was still five minutes to go and we knew Dartfordians would throw the kitchen sink at us in an effort to keep their proud record this season (they have not lost since September) going. To their credit they came back strongly and were camped in the Sidcup half for the remainder of the game but Sidcup managed to defend for their lives and hang on for a close but deserved 3-2 victory. At the final whistle there were a couple of Dartfordians lying on the floor which was a testament to what a tough game it had been.

Both teams contributed to a great game and the after match burgers kindly provided by Dartfordians were gulped down gratefully.

Finally the writer of this report hopes that no-one saw his comedy fall over as the excitement reached fever pitch at the end of the match.