Bromley (22) Dover 1st XV (31)
Played on 21st October, 2006
Dover continued their unbeaten run with an impressive victory against a well drilled and similar youthful outfit as themselves. This was always going to be a hard fought contest and the Sharks were fully aware that this was going to be their first major test of the campaign. They were absolutely right and for much of the game Dover were chasing the score but thankfully the team showed plenty of grit and the two points were eventually well earned.
The home side kicked down the slope in the first half with
the added advantage of the wind in their favour. Dover ’s start
to the game was less than inspiring. Basic handling, missed tackles
and a lack of urgency immediately put them on the back foot. After
only 5 minutes Dover won the lineout on their 5 metre line; however
a poor pass wasn’t dealt with allowing Bromley to simply touch
the ball down and score under the posts. The conversion followed.
Dover responded positively and pressure was applied at the top end
of the field. From a lineout Dover’s pack drove well allowing
Ben Murray to spread the ball to Martyn Beaumont and a miss pass
to Lee Tonks saw him cut Bromley’s defence open and score a
handsome try under the posts. Beaumont converted and the scores were
even.
Bromley capitalised on the slope and with some wise kicking
the Sharks were put under some heavy pressure. Their pack drove well
and credit to Dover, who in the main defended admirably although
the possession they did win was at times lost. The penalty count
against the Sharks was also a problem in the first half although
players and supporters alike were bemused by some of the decisions
awarded. Bromley took the lead after half an hour when a clever scissor
movement saw a try scored under the posts and easily converted. Dover
were unfortunate not to reduce the deficit when a penalty kick struck
the upright. After an uneasy start Bromley lead by 7 points at the
interval and with the advantage now in Dover ’s favour the Sharks
were now confident of overturning the score and bagging the points.
Once again Dover started poorly and after 9 minutes Dover
again showed a lack of urgency and another error in the goal area
saw Bromley touch down for their second gift of the day. The heat
was now on and the jubilant Bromley supporters were in full flow.
In fact this was just the kick up the backside that the Sharks had
needed. Their spirit grew and unlike previous weeks the discipline
was excellent. The team rallied and the true colours were to show.
Immediate pressure was placed on the hosts and what started from
a great run from Ricky Mackintosh saw Chris Lacey in support to touch
down. Beaumont added another two points. Bromley furthered their
lead with a penalty kick and Dover again responded magnificently.
The tackling was immense with Jamie Townley and Adam Wallace in their
normal crunching form. Bromley ’s cause was also dented when
Buster Collins dumped the influential open side ending his afternoon. Dover’s
next score emanated from a poor clearance by Bromley. Murray took
the catch just outside the 22 and the ball was spread wide to Mackintosh
who scorched through to touch down.
Bromley rallied well and again Dover had to knuckle down
as the next score was crucial for both teams. Dover ’s pack
were beginning to exert themselves and Matt Emmerson, Dale Tonks
and the fresh legs of Danny Robinson were prominent. The Sharks were
resolute and they were to score the next try. Now dominating deep
into Bromley territory Dover were awarded a penalty. A quick tap
caught the home side on the hop and Ed Close was on hand to touch
down and another conversion added. By this time the game was deep
into injury time. Dover continued in the same vain. They turned over
a scrummage and drove forward, with Greg Hewer leading the charge.
The ball was again spread wide with Buster Collins on hand to score
in the corner in the dying stages of the game.
Graham Tonks was delighted with this victory and commented; ‘Our
handling and urgency in the first half wasn’t good enough.
However we were up against an extremely good and young side, which
put us to the test. Our discipline and defence was superb today and
again we had the belief and heart to come back in difficult circumstances.
This game wasn’t about individuals. It was a gutsy team performance
and I am very proud of the boys’.
Team, Moore, Savage, Stanley, Tonks D, Lacey, Matcham, Emmerson, Collins, Murray, Beaumont, Tonks L, Townley, Mackintosh, Wallace, Close, Hewer, Robinson, Dean.
Report by: Richard Collins.
Posted 24/10/2006
