DEVON Rugby Football Union recently announced that Dartmouth Rugby Football Club had been awarded County Team of the Month for February, writes Dick Evans.

“Perhaps this is the motivation that Dartmouth needs,” said Darts manager Andrew Tomkinson, who has overseen a league campaign in which his side have beaten every opponent that face up to them. 

“We entertain our neighbours, Totnes, on Norton Field this Saturday, April 6, in our final league game of the season. Kick off is scheduled for 3pm and we will be going for our 22nd consecutive league win in this game.

“There are not many teams in the whole of the English Rugby Union that can boast of ending the season with a 100 per cent record. You could probably name these teams on one hand, so this is some achievement by both the squad of players and the coaches. We have been putting our celebrations on hold until after this final game.

“Totnes, who sit at the bottom of the table, have been improving lately and only lost to Salcombe by a solitary point two weeks ago. We, as a team, need to be focussed for this final game as our visitors will be up for the battle and will want a win against us as the unbeaten league leaders.

“We managed a good 23-17 win recently against an improved Paignton second team side. We struggled at times but we still came away with a win by six points.

“Training has been really going well and any errors made in the Paignton game have been ironed out. We should have a strong squad of players who will all want to finish the season on a high.

Dartmouth RFC
Dartmouth are yet to be beaten in the league. (Freya Bradley)

“We ask that the town of Dartmouth and all our loyal band of supporters who have followed us each week both home and away come along to Norton Field on Saturday and shout for their support for their team when we officially are crowned the league champions.

“This may be the last league game of the season but on Saturday, April 13, Dartmouth have been drawn away from home against Tamar Saracens in the first round of the Papa Johns Cup. This should be a tough but close encounter. Dartmouth are hoping to go all the way to the final again, just as we did in the competition last season.

“Your support at Tamar would be greatly appreciated."

Parents of children who attend rugby sessions on Norton Field on Sunday mornings are reminded that these sessions return this Sunday, April 7, at 10am. Parents, come along and meet the coaches and get involved in these successful Sunday morning sessions.