Dartford 33, Thurrock 50

AFTER an even opening ten minutes Dartfordians took the lead in this Papa Johns Regional 2 South Shield semi-final (Saturday, 10 May) with a try wide on their left from Aniekanabasi Essien, which was followed by an excellent conversion from Thomas Gubby.

It didn't take Tees long to get level, the forwards forging towards the posts where Jay Jennings stretched out to get the ball down over the line. James' Fergus struck the post with his attempted conversion, kicking against a strong and swirling wind.

Scrum half Darryl Worster gave the visitors the lead with a darting run from close range after Thurrock opted for a scrum following a Dartfordians indiscretion in front of the posts. A fine strike from Fergus saw the extras added.

Nathaniel Farrell then ended a fast, flowing backs move with a try in the corner to stretch the lead, but the difficult conversion was missed.

Well in the ascendency, it wasn't long before another try came Thurrock's way when the visitors turned defence into counterattack and captain Ben Timson touched down. Again the kick was missed.

With ten minutes of the half remaining, Essien got his second try of the match but another kick, on a day when the strong wind was always a factor, was missed.

Thurrock were soon up the other end and following a line-out and drive, Malachy Watts-Adams added his name to the list of try-scorers. Fergus delivered the two extras with a well struck kick.

There was still time for another Thurrock try before the interval, Harry Reynolds capping a surging run that covered more than two thirds of the pitch by touching down under the posts and Fergus drop-kicked the conversion to give his side a 36-12 lead at the break.

Another line-out catch and drive resulted in Dan Ulph adding to Thurrock's lead soon after the restart and again Fergus delivered an excellent conversion.

Dartfordians pulled back seven points when Lloyd Banks drove over from close range and Gubby emulated Fergus by drop-kicking the close-range conversion.

Thurrock reached the 50 points mark when their prowess at the line-out ended with the pack pushing Timson over for a try and once more Fergus delivered another fine conversion.

Though the outcome was decided, Dartfordians never gave up and they were rewarded with converted consolation tries inside the last 15 minutes but Thurrock were home and hosed.

Victory did come with a touch of sadness as it means the club will have two Papa Johns finals on the same day (Sunday, 18 May) and supporters will have to decide whether to watch the men at Bristol, or the Ladies Seconds at Twickenham against Sefton.