SINCE signing for Darlington Mowden Park over the summer, back row Yaree Fantini has quickly established himself as an integral part of Garry Law’s squad in the opening ten weeks of the season.

The former England Sevens international was on fine form last weekend, scoring a brace of tries in Mowden’s 40-13 win over Taunton at the Darlington Arena. The victory marked one of Mowden's strongest showings of the season, and Fantini was pleased with his side’s overall performance.

“I think the team performed really well," he said. "We’re slowly beginning to piece together elements of our game that we’ve been happy with throughout recent games and cancel out some of the negative traits. The good thing is that out of a 40-13 win we still have lots to work on and we can hopefully build on that in the coming weeks.”

Since his arrival from Benetton Treviso in July, the 24 year-old has shown his qualities in both attack and defence, scoring five tries and winning a host of turnovers at the breakdown.

"I think I’m still trying to find my form," said the Northumbria University graduate. "I’ve been in and out of the starting team selection with the competition across the back five being so high. Not having a full pre-season with a hamstring injury has not helped my form and fitness, but it’s something I am building up and I’m positive I can find some form I am happy with as I get more game time and fitness.”

A real highlight of Mowden's performances since Fantini’s arrival has been the quality of their attacking play, notching four-try bonus points in all but three of their league games so far.

"I think the club has a great ethos regarding how they want to attack," continued Fantini. "The coaching and club staff are great it has a real community feel about it and it’s something I’m enjoying.

"The home crowd really gives the boys a lift and I enjoy a Saturday home game at the Arena. I think the crowd has shocked me as it is something I did not expect to see in Darlington as I didn’t know how big they were into rugby up here, but it’s great.”

Fantini’s side now head into a rest weekend before tackling a block of four fixtures this side of the Christmas break.

Looking ahead to the upcoming games, the Mowden back row was hoping for a strong finish to the calendar year, and said: “I think we have some big fixtures coming up with Sale away around the corner but they are winnable games and if we can capitalise on those fixtures then it puts us in a really good position to take on the rest of the league home and away in the coming weeks. I think the main goal is to pick up some wins and five-pointers away from home."