With Cobham just one point ahead of Dartfordians in the league this return fixture was always going to be a tight encounter, just three points had separated the away fixture when Darts edged the match 26-23. It wasn't apparent from Cobham's very positive start but unfortunately history was going to be repeated at the Memorial grounds.
With the season coming to a close and points essential to avoid a relegation tussle Director of rugby Steve Pope had been able to pick a strong squad and it took Dartfordians 13 minutes before they got into Cobham's half.Strong runs from Buffini, White and Sanders were portents for how Cobham would play this first half and it took stoic defence from the visitors to hold their line.
With everything to play for it was perhaps inevitable that we would see a few injuries and within the first five minutes centre James Mitchell suffered a head injury enabling young Ross Munro to come on for his debut.
Cobham maintained the pressure on the visitors line and the first score came when hooker Andrew Murphy drove over the line. Farrelly converting from wide out 7-0 and within minutes Cobham had extended that lead when prop Chris Lippiatt fed Ali Porter to release the whirlwind Will Sanders to score in the corner 12-0.
Although Mitchell had recovered to retake the field Cobham suffered their second casualty of the match when back row Theo Buffini came off with an injured shoulder Freddie Joyce replacing.
Although Cobham were dominant in the back line it was apparent that Dartfordians had the edge in the scrum indeed they looked to be the most powerful pack Cobs had come up against all season. Ultimately that was going to make the difference and Dartfordians first score came from their pack driving over the line and number 8 Ryan Saunders touching down for a converted try. 12-7
Cobham immediately struck back when centre James Mitchell collected a clearing kick and effected a darting and evasive run from the half way line to rip through the defence and although it was unconverted the half time whistle saw Cobham ahead 17-7.
However unfortunately in the final action of the 40 minutes Cobham prop Ben Joyce secured a serious knee injury. Best wishes to Ben for a speedy recovery.
Cobham's first half form has been erratic this season fluctuating from giving away 17 point leads to going into the break comfortably ahead. Ultimately of course it is what the score line is at full time that is crucial and recognising where their strengths ( literally ) lay Dartfordians used their pack to secure a hard fought victory.
Darts started the second half with more purpose and keeping the ball tight put down a good chance 5 metres out but when they came again a deft inside pass to second row Kenny Lee saw him score under the posts converted to 17-14
Cobham extended their lead with a well taken Farrelly penalty but after having a try disallowed and despite strong defence Cobham could not keep the flood waters back as winger Liam Brenchley drove over the line and with the conversion Dartfordians took the lead for the first time 20-21.
With the visitors dominance in the scrum now dictating how Cobham penalty infringments would be dealt with a drive over provided number 8 Sam Allan with a further converted score 20-28 with only 10 minutes remaining. Having lost their losing bonus point and with just three tries to their name Cobham needed their bonus point try and spreading the ball wide they secured it and their 2 points when full back Will Sanders showed his electric pace to touch down wide 25-28.
Darts kept possession tight for the final few minutes and starting 10 points behind at the interval secured a well deserved victory.
Whilst Cobham will have been disappointed to lose this match with just three games to play the 2 bonus points earned may prove crucial.
1st xv Man of Match was Ali Porter sponsored by The George & Dragon Thames Ditton
Cobham are away to Chichester next week and will welcome strong support in what will be another tough encounter as the season draws to a close.
1 Chris Lippiatt
2 Andrew Murphy
3 Ben Joyce
4 Doug Rodman
5 Louis Porter
6 Ali Porter
7 Theo Buffini
8 Jake McQuade
9 Ryan Saunders (C)
10 Luke Flower
11 James MacDonald
12 Tom Farrelly
13 James Mitchell
14 Tiernan White
15 Will Sanders
16 Ryan Aujla
17 Freddie Joyce
18 Ross Munro
Scores
No 15 Will Sanders x 2 Tries
No 13 James Mitchell x 1 Try
No 2 Andrew Murphy x 1 Try
No 12 Tom Farrelly x 1 Penalty x 1 Conversion
The other results from today
2ndxv 31 Merlins 32
3rdxv 36 Old Paulines 19
