1st XV travel to RBS

RBS vs. DVRFC 74-15 written by the 1st XV Captain Ben Orcan

Date & Time - Saturday 2nd September, 3pm KO

Location - Beckenham Goals (although it may as well have been the Sahara Desert)

For their first of two pre-season friendlies, rather than ease off the cobwebs with a feather duster, it was decided that a new look DVRFC 1st XV (with 4 first team starting debuts, and some players trialled in new positions) would be sent for a nuclear scrub; against Royal Bank of Scotland, who will be plying their trade in the league above us this year.

RBS, who only lost three games in last season’s Kent 2 campaign were lined up, in part, because they would give a good indication of the level of Rugby to be expected from DVRFC’s first Kent 2 opponents, newly relegated Brockleians on the 23rd September. It was also hoped that exposure to a balanced, high quality side would highlight weaknesses with enough time for the coaches to address them. RBS certainly delivered on this front, revealing some key development areas in the Valley team, and really showing how it is done in open play, with some impressive flee flowing rugby, and excellent support play.

The first half was dominated by RBS, who came out of the blocks firing, and terrorised the Valley midfield. Numerous points were put on the scoreboard by RBS, and although DVRFC showed some positive phases of play, scores eluded them, thanks to unforced errors and passionate, but perhaps over-eager heads. As the game progressed, DVRFC came more and more into the game, demonstrating a good level of fitness and a dogged determination that has always been present in our sides. The second half started as the second had finished, with RBS dominant, but in the final 30 minutes of the game DVRFC finally started to put their stamp on the game and to convert an emerging dominance at the set piece, and better linkages in the backs into points.

Debutant Dan Martin was the first Valley try scorer, after intercepting a wayward RBS pass and showing pace, and a strong hand-off to run in from 40 metres. Once the Wingers saw that another back - and newbie at that - had scored, they decided that they might get their hands dirty after all, and so Steve McHenry and Lee Nathan scored in quick succession.

Steve demonstrated one of his textbook arched runs, stretching his elegant legs, and utilising his freakishly long arms and what was once described by a referee as an ‘angry face’, to run 60 metres in order to score from 30 metres out. Lee Nathan’s was a classic poacher’s try coming from a completely unnecessary and terrible kick by centre, and look-a-like Prop, Tom Castleton, to get us in the opposition red zone, which was followed by few good phases, that an experienced and patient Lee Nathan finished well in the corner. Tom was heard to comment immediately after “see Ben, when we get into the opposition half, we should just kick the ball away”. I am still trying to get my head around the chosen wording of what would normally have been a strong contender for a Dick of the Day comment.

After some good recruitment, and player development over the pre-season Valley fielded four 1st XV starting debutants; Ryan Francis, Dan Martin, Brian Koroma, and Matt Thomas. All are exciting prospects and are tipped to do well over the season, in addition to more quality new players expected to make their debuts soon. The challenge that remains is to knit them into the right playing partnerships, and develop the understandings with their team-mates that can only come from match experience. In order to achieve this the team have a home fixture on Saturday 9th of December at the Leigh Academy against Old Elthamians Bulls. Your support would be appreciated.

MoM - Matt Thomas, who demonstrated excellent work rate and tackle completion

DoD - Skipper Ben Orcan, for a comedy passing error in the final minute of the game that led to an opposition score

Hammer - Lee Policelli, for a strong hit that made the opposition player emit a noise akin to a deflating air bag

RBS Vs DVRFC Full Match Footage