Charlton Park (3) v (18) Dover 1st XV
Played on 6th January 2007
Dover continued to set the pace at the top of London 4 with a comprehensive
win against fellow league challengers Charlton Park. The Sharks travelled with
a determination to erase some of the memories of their defeat against Park,
prior to Christmas. The rain ruled the proceedings; however the faithful few
who travelled to watch this fixture were left in a jubilant mood following
a controlled and disciplined performance from this young outfit. The opening
20 minutes was a fairly even contest and Park kicked a penalty to take the
lead. Dover re-grouped and for the remainder of the half spent the majority
of the time camped deep into the hosts half. Ricky Stanley’s pack were
inspirational and provided the platform for the day. Hooker Kirk Savage was
his busy self about the park and causing a nuisance all game. Unlike the last
meeting Park’s inside and outside halves were virtually non-existent
and were given no opportunity to cause damage for a second time. Even though
conditions were appalling the rugby was good. Wingers Ricky Mackintosh and
Mark Beaumont were making some explosive runs and Lee Tonks at inside centre
was oozing confidence and splitting holes through the midfield all afternoon.
The pressure was intense and Martyn Beaumont kicked a penalty to even the scores.
Credit to Park who defended admirably and came back at the Sharks, however
in the closing minutes of the half they were dealt a hammer blow when their
midfield dropped the ball for skipper Beaumont to show his footballing skills
by dribbling half the pitch to touch down. Dover lost Trigger Davison through
injury and his efforts were continued by the in-form Danny Robinson, who partnered
the ever present and hard working Dale Tonks at lock.
The second half continued in the same vain and the Sharks produced a game of
white-knuckled intensity. Parks heavier pack continued their ‘pick and
go’ tactics throughout the game in an effort to punch holes. Their efforts
were fruitless, their energies wasted and the tactics suited Dover perfectly.
The back-row of Gus Surrendorf, Jeremy Walmesley and Buster Collins once again
showed its worth with another sublime performance from all. The cracks were
appearing and after 13 minutes Dover were awarded a penalty 15 metres from
the Park try line. Ben Murray took the initiative with a quick tap to Collins
who drove forward set the ruck and Murray fed prop Chris Lucas who sprinted
all of 5 metres to crash down. Dover were in command and although Park tried
their utmost the defence of the Sharks was simply superb. Ed Close at full
back was in great form and the new dad, Ben ‘Harvey’ Sedgwick again
showed his talents in only his second game from a serious injury. Martyn Beaumont
scored his second 5 minutes later when he charged down a ball collected it
nicely and danced his way around the full back to kill the game off. Shane
Moore and Adam Wallace entered the fold and there can be no doubting the abilities
of these two young men. Park again rallied but had little in their armoury
to penetrate.
Coach Graham Tonks commented; ‘This was a massive win for Dover today.
This wasn’t about individuals; it was a superb team performance against
a very well drilled team. Each and everyone of my players hit the mark today
in difficult conditions. The intensity and momentum must continue and we still
have areas that we need to work on’.
Team; Lucas, Savage, Stanley, Tonks D, Davison, Collins, Walmsley, Surrendorf, Murray, Beaumont Martyn, Tonks L, Sedgwick, Mackintosh, Beaumont Mark, Close, Moore, Robinson, Wallace.
Reported By Richard Collins
Posted on 12/01/2007
