Reeds Start 2025 with Away Win
REGIONAL 2 SOUTH EAST
DARTFORDIANS 17 REEDS WEYBRIDGE 27
The heavy underfoot conditions that prevailed at Bexley last Saturday prevented an expansive game of running rugby, however, the supporters witnessed a highly charged game that included an attritional battle in the tight scrums, fiercely contested lineouts, and some thunderous exchanges in the loose. In the early stages it was Dartfordians who controlled the possession and enjoyed territorial dominance with some strong ball carrying, but Reeds coped well until a defensive lapse in mid-field led to the Darts full back, coming into the line and running over a would-be tackler, to score via a straight-forward run in under the sticks that put Darts were seven points in front. It was a short-lived lead – Reeds worked their way back into proceedings and were winning plenty of ball from the lineout, by way of skipper Herbie Finn and Cam Goodwin, and up front the tight scrums were rock solid. It was that control that allowed both forwards and the backs to lay siege to the Darts line and it was George Corner, the arch poacher, who from short distance powered his way through several tackles to touch down following a catch and drive move. The conversion drifted wide but Reeds were now occupying the Darts red zone for long periods. It was Marcus Clark, Reeds quick full back, who instigated their second score – he was put away down the short side after some strong probing interplay between forwards and backs, drew the cover, and fed winger Aaron Endeley who touched down by the flag to make it 7 – 12. Reeds were now on a roll, prompted by the strong control being exerted by Pete Cole at flyhalf and which led to his man of the match award. Next up on the score sheet was the evergreen Shannon Fullen, the powerful utility forward barrelled his way over the line from 4 meters out for the third try following a loose maul to make it 7 – 15. Perhaps the crucial, morale sapping, score of the day came from Pete Cole, the fly half. Darts were on the attack, forty metres out from the Reeds line, Cole charged down the attempted chip kick, re-gathered the ball not far from the half way line, and ran it in for a seven pointer. Reeds now had a fifteen-point lead at the change round at 7 – 22. Out wide, it was clear that Darts were having difficulties containing the pace and distribution skills of the Reeds backs, none better at that, than outside centre Matt Stevenson. A combination of hot feet and serious pace brought Reeds try number five after a chip ahead and re-gather around fifteen minutes after the restart following a somewhat stilted start from both sides to the second half. The conversion drifted wide, but Reeds now had a comfortable lead at 7 – 27. There were a couple of extended injury breaks in that second half, which possibly had some effect on Reeds concentration and impetus, add to that Darts resilience and focus which brought them back into the game, putting Reeds under all sorts of pressure. Two late unconverted tries from Darts brought them uncomfortably close to Reeds total, but it was Reeds who took the long journey back to Whiteley with a four try bonus point win.
Man of the Match Peter Cole
After the match Head Coach Luke Edwards thanked the players for their efforts and especially thanked those who players who made themselves available to play – some despite carrying niggling injuries and holiday plans.
March Day squad: Lennan Day (VC), Rhys Day, Baff Agyapong, Herbie Finn(C), Cam Goodwin, Chuggs Wallis, George Corner, Ieuan Schofield, Jakob Howe, Shannon Fullen, Ollie Tyndale, Peter Cole, Alex Corner, Matt Stevenson, Jack Benett, Aaron Endeley, Marcus Clark, Josh Clark.
Next week- Jan 11th– Reeds are at Home to Gravesend – 2:00pm kick off
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