DARTMOUTH’S rags-to-riches rugby season had a fairy tale finish as the team came from behind to defeat Chess Valley 31-28 on Premiership turf to claim the Papa Johns’ Conties Three South Shield.

The Riversiders struggled to get 15 men on the pitch during the first two months of the season – sometimes they could not get a side out at all – and went eight games without a win.

So to finish the season with a cup final win at the home of Saracens RFC represented quite a turnaround for the club.

Dartmouth went about things the hard way against Hertfordshire side Chess Valley, who were 18-8 up at one stage in the first half.

The second half belonged to Dartmouth, who came from behind to lead 31-21 with five minutes to go. Not even a late try under the posts from the Valley could change the outcome of the game.

Andrew Tompkinson, the Dartmouth team manager, said it was a thrilling climax to a roller-coaster season.

“It has been an amazing turnaround for the club in the last few months and the whole town of Dartmouth should be very proud of what this team have achieved,” said Tompkinson.

The whole town of Dartmouth should be very proud of what this team have achieved,

Andrew Tompkinson

“Captain Karl Caunter led the team brilliantly  as always, and deserved to lift the shield at the end.

“It was a brilliant experience for everyone involved in the club. To go to Saracens’  ground, and be treated with the same amount  of respect as if  you were European champions,  is something  this group of players will never forget.”

Dartmouth’s try scorers were Myles Churchill, Tom Carter (2) and Declan Hammond. Jack Gordon kicked the rest of the points.

Team manager Tompkinson said Chess Valley were a ‘tough-drilled’ side who made Dartmouth work for their victory.

Although there were heroes in every green and red shirt, Tompkinson picked out three players for special praise, starting with man-of-the-match winner Myles Churchill.

‘Dartmouth have probably been one of the outstanding success stories in the county’

Paul Harris, president Devon RFU

“Myles was an absolute giant on the field and could have easily had another couple of tries had he not been held up on the line,” said Tompkinson.

“Richard Lobb has probably had one of his best seasons at the club and showed his composure at both full-back and fly-half after Sam Churchill went off injured.

“Jack Gordon  saved us today with his pace as he produced  some amazing last-ditch tackles.”

Paul Harris, the Devon RFU president, was quick to send Dartmouth his congratulations.

“It has been a remarkable nine months for the Dartmouth club, a season where they were struggling to put a team together at the start to winning a national trophy at the StoneX stadium,” said Harris.

“The hard work of the volunteers and players really paid off with victory in the final. “Dartmouth have probably been one of the outstanding success stories in the county and have shown just what can be achieved. 

“Congratulations Dartmouth: the county is proud of your achievements.”