Deal and Betteshanger Lions (25)

v

Dover 1st XV (3)

Played on 28th October, 2006

 

Dover’s cup run in the EDF Senior Vase came to an abrupt end against the Lions, who fully deserved their victory on this performance.

Dover’s start was again lacking in confidence and after only five minutes Deal and Bettes had taken the lead. Dover failed to win their lineout ball and the Lions capitalised from the mistake with a clever chip over the top for the winger to score. A conversion followed. The Sharks countered and for the remaining period of the half had sufficient possession to make some impact on the game. The mauling and driving was good and Ricky Stanley’s pack did well turning two scrums to the Lions one. Unfortunately the lineout throughout the game was Dover’s Achilles heel and the loss of possession would cost them dearly in the end. Ricky Mackintosh had one spectacular run from a set move that should have seen a score and there were other opportunities in the making; however it must be said that Dover made hard work of matters by some poor decision making and basic fundamental errors. The Lions were always threatening and the defence of Adam Wallace and Mark Beaumont was particularly solid. Just past the half hour mark Dover were awarded a penalty and Martyn Beaumont slotted from a fair distance to narrow the gap. The last few minutes of the half was a nail biting time for the Sharks and missed tackles and indecision nearly cost them further. Full back Ed Close was on hand at the back to mop up and he had an excellent game not putting a foot wrong all afternoon. The half finished with Dover having the advantage of the slope and an opportunity to test the Lions to the full in the second half.

The opening minutes looked positive for the Sharks and twice the forwards drove over the goal line with sterling defence preventing a score. An injury to lock Danny Robinson saw him leave the field and this forced change appeared to have an effect on the teams scrummaging. Deal and Bettes withheld the initial pressure and for the remainder of the half took control of the game. Dover were adjudged to have been offside in the midfield on two occasions both being punished by some accurate kicking from the Lions. The Sharks now had an uphill battle and they worked hard to try and bring some cohesion to their game without success. Kirk Savage was his busy self and Buster Collins worked tirelessly on the back row. Fresh legs replaced the tired but it was to no avail. The Lions worked hard and after 30 minutes another try was scored and again poor tackling was to blame. An easy conversion followed. The hosts defence remained steadfast and Dover had little ammunition left to make any impact. In the 11th minute of injury time the Lions centre took a quick tap and scored unopposed and the game was concluded.

Coach Dave Robbins commented; ‘We had some good opportunities in the first half which we didn’t take advantage of. Our decision making and tackling was below par and we suffered the consequences. On a positive note we did well in the rolling mauls and at times tested Deal and Bettes. We wish them well in the next round and it’s business as usual in trying to retain our lead at the top against Beccahamians at home next week’. Team; Moore, Savage, Stanley, Robinson, Tonks D, Matcham, Collins, Kimble, Murray, Beaumont Martyn, Tonks L, Wallace, Mackintosh, Beaumont Mark, Close, Hewer, Lucas, May,Dean.

Report by Richard Collins