Hove (5) v Dover 1st XV (26)

Played on 11th November, 2006

 

The Sharks made it victory six out six at Hove on Saturday, to consolidate their leading position in this London South East 4 league fixture.

Hove, having conceded the least number of points of any team in the league, were expected to be an interesting test for Graham Tonks’  side ,  but the weather and ground conditions proved to be perfectly suited for Dover’s running game.

The Sharks started strongly and immediately put the home side under intense pressure which soon reaped dividends when a long pass from centre Jamie Townley put winger Rickie Mackintrosh in the clear to touch down.

Dover’s good start was marred by an injury to hard working prop Shane Moore which resulted in him being replaced by Chris Lucas. Dover’s fluent front five were more than a match for their bigger opponents and won plenty of ball both in the loose and set play.

Hove, without having too much ball to play with, found it impossible to live with Dover’s fast moving open game and it was no surprise to any of the spectators when further tries were scored by Ricky Mackintosh  Centre Lee Tonks and flanker Buster Collins
With Dover comfortably controlling the game it was unfortunate when, just prior to half time,  flanker Wayne Matcham received a yellow card which lifted the home side’s game.

The second half continued as the first half started, with Dover totally in control despite a further yellow card for flank forward Buster Collins. Irrespective of these setbacks Dover continued to play some scintillating running rugby orchestrated by their live wire scrum half Ben Murray who was excellent thoughout.

 

With Hove well beaten,  Sharks Coach Graham Tonks decided it was time for Paul Cairns to make his first team debut – no doubt the first of many future appearances.
Credit should be given to Hove for the fact that, despite being well beaten, they attacked strongly in the last few minutes of the game and scored a well deserved try from a rolling maul, to finish off the scoring.

Match ball was kindly sponsored by Jamie Devlin

Team ; Stanley, Savage, Moore, Tonks D, Lacey, Matcham, Kimble, Collins, Murray, Beaumont Martyn, Tonks L, Townley, Mackintosh, Beaumont Mark, Close, Lucas, Dean, Cairns.

Report by David Sluman