Dartfordians get to grips with Cranbrook in the Kent Salver final

A TRY from Paul Gills in the dying minutes handed Dartfordians a 26-25 win in their Kent Salver final against Cranbrook on Sunday.

Darts went into the game at Aylesford in good form after crushing Bexley 60-0 in the semis but they were pushed all the way in the final.

Darts scored first when Chris Lovell kicked a penalty but Cranbrook hit back with a converted try.

Dartfordians responded when Liam Bowmer crossed the line after a
50-yard sprint. Jon Roots’ try increased their lead to 13-7 and further pressure saw Tom Hoey kick to give Darts a 16-7 half-time lead.

Cranbrook closed the gap after the break with a converted try and took the lead soon after with a penalty.

Lovell scored a try out wide to hand Darts the initiative again at 21-17 only for a try and a three-pointer from Cranbrook to put them back in front at 25-21.

The tie was settled when a driving maul forced Cranbrook to within five metres of the try line and from there Darts scored the decisive try.