Under 7s @ Tunbridge Wells festival from Coach Stu
=============================================
Our second crack at a tournament for the under 7’s! A fine morning started with a walk in the sunshine form the cars to the venue and then a very squelchy trudge to the pitches where we had a DVRFC flag and a gazebo dug out from a parents garage (yes it was a little wonky and had no guy ropes, but it was a base and it was ours!). With the team looking to kick on from last week and an extra two bodies experiencing their first taste of tournament rugby, we had 7 members of the under 7’s.
The first game didn’t go so well, but the team were finding their feet and getting warmed up! The second game was much better with great runs being made some superb tackling and great defensive reorganisation and deafening cries of the tried and tested ‘line on me’ ringing out loud and proud around pitch 1! The opposition coach was very impressed with our group and their display, which put a spring in coach Stu’s step for the rest of the day!
Games 3 (draw) and 4 (win) had to be moved further up the field to pitch 3 as the quagmire that was pitch 1 was not suitable and the move to firmer turf certainly helped our team as they were able to run in some great tries with a mixture of individual speed and running as well as good teamwork with players offering support to the runners and as always a great tenacious defensive display. Once again all players got minutes in each game and showed great team ethic in cheering on those playing when on the sidelines and rotating with no fuss and an understanding that belies their years in that it’s a team game!
At the end the team gathered to receive their medals and a well-deserved round of applause from parents and grandparents with muddy footwear, who once again supported brilliantly and encouraged them all in each game. More smiling faces, tired legs and kits in need of a soak in Vanish and even grubbier siblings, a great time was had by all and a big well done and thank you to TWRFC for putting on a great day (special mention for the reasonably priced and very tasty cheeseburgers!).
***

Under 8s @ Tunbridge Wells festival from Coach Vee
=============================================
What a day at our second rugby festival in TW! The kids were absolutely on fire, pushing hard and racking up tries left, right, and center. Some of the side steps had us thinking we were watching future pros out there! Special shout-out to Harry T for his first-ever try—and what a beauty it was! Sure, we got a bit muddy, but that only added to the fun. The smiles never left our faces, and seeing everyone improve with each festival is truly something special. Huge thanks to the U8’s coaches and parents for another fantastic Sunday. So proud—and still laughing!
***

Under 9s @ Tunbridge Wells festival from Coach Vince
=============================================
Another great festival for our u9s. We entered two teams into the festival and both teams played amazing. Each player continued to showcase their developing skills leaving teams in awe of their abilities. Each child earned their medal on Sunday as they all stepped up their game and delivered what was asked. The coaches are so proud of our Red and Black army.
***

Under 10s @ Tunbridge Wells festival from Coach Dan
=============================================
Tunbridge Festival once again a wet and muddy show. Our Red & Black teams showed a marked improvement following last week's festival with great focus, good decision making and driving attacking play. In all the games Dartford showed resilience in the rucking and tackling, keeping possession really well. Some close games with Tunbridge, Sittingbourne and Sevenoaks. Great to see the confidence building as the games went on. Well done to Tilly for you Player of The Week!
***

Under 11s @ Tunbridge Wells festival from Coach Matt
=============================================
Another very successful festival for our U11’s following on from last weekends great start to the season.

With two players unable to attend and the girls team having a fixture of their own, this looked like being a real uphill battle for our two teams. But, like this age group has shown time and time again, when faced with a tough challenge they pull together and produce their best rugby.
Overall results across both teams was Played 7, Won 6 and Drew 1 (not that we were counting) ??
So many stand out performances from both teams that to highlight a few players would be unfair, just an all round great performance from both our teams, on the day.

The coaching team and I are very much looking forward to the next Festival / SNL, whichever comes first, bring it on.

***

Under 12 girls vs Gravesend @ Gravesend from Coach Damian
=============================================
Super run out again for the U12 girls, who just go from strength to strength.
The 12 DVRFC’s Little ladies out played their Gravesend counterparts in the contest area and then proceeded to run some great lines to pick up Try after Try!! Team spirit is building, characters are growing and the future is bright for this tenacious bunch.
Well done girls.
***

Under 18s vs Tunbridge Wells @ The Lodge from Coach Dave
=============================================
Under 18s girls BeccsValley vs Tunbridge Wells 55-17 win. A great win for the BeccsValley girls in their 3rd league game of the season. Some great rugby on display with 5 trys from Mia Evans and 3 tries from Ruby Fulton. A solid team performance which sets the team up nicely for their next league game against SevenBulls.
***

Under 18 Colts (boys) vs Gravesend @ Gravesend from Coach Stix
=============================================
Unfortunately the Colts game vs Gravesend this morning was abandoned after 6 minutes following a leg break (Henry Morris - ex Dartford player - GGS - we wish him our very best from all of his mates at Dartford).
Our first aider @Richard Leachman was on hand to assist the Gravesend team looking after Henry - well done to him and thank you.
Score was 0-0 at time of injury.
The game will be rescheduled for the new year.
***
For the full photo album from this weekend please Click Here