Dover 1st XV (19) v (13) Sidcup
Played at Dover 20/01/2007
Dover produced a gutsy performance to defeat London 3 outfit and promotion
hopefuls Sidcup and make their way into round 3 of the Kent Cup. The
game would provide Dover with an insight into the opposition that they
can expect if they are successful in their quest for promotion this
year. On the positive side of this competition individuals would be
given the chance to test their ability and skills against their opposite
number and the coaching staff an opportunity to look at the areas that
need to be strengthened, if the Sharks are to continue to build on
their success. On the whole Dover can be proud of their achievement
against a heavier and certainly a physical side. In the opening minutes
at a ruck the Sidcup skipper decided to test the water by slapping
one of the Dover players across the face. In typical Dover fashion
and not to be intimidated a healthier five fingered salute was returned
and a penalty awarded against the visitors. Questions are frequently
being asked about the size and ability of the Dover pack and week in
and week out they produce the platform for the backs to display their
sparkling qualities. Technique, physicality, strength and fitness are
the necessary components to win games and the forwards do their utmost
with an always win mentality for the Club.
This game was certainly a game of two halves for Dover. Kicking up
hill in the first half Dover needed to keep a tight ship and defend
their position if they were to have a chance of winning this contest.
Fortunately they did much more and produced an inspirational display
which delighted the home supporters. Although going behind from a 20th
minute penalty Dover kept their focus and four minutes later Martyn
Beaumont put in a thunderous hit on his opposite number for Ben Sedgwick
to superbly collect the ball and run the 45 metres to touch down under
the posts, which was converted. The game was on and Dover defended
their corner well. They won the majority of their set pieces and the
engine room of Dale Tonks and Trigger Davison worked tirelessly. The
commitment was excellent and Dover increased the lead when Ben Murray
kicked up-field and owing to the pressure from the Dover backs Sidcup
were unable to defend leaving Ricky Mackintosh a simple task of picking
up the ball and touching it down. Buster Collins was sin binned late
on in the half for a ‘team’ technical offence and the result
remained at 12-3 at the interval.
The second half was to prove to be disappointing for Dover. Pack leader
Ricky Stanley left the field with an injury and his physical presence
would be missed. Dover’s penalty count against was disappointing
as they failed to acknowledge the officials advice and individuals
were failing in certain areas of their own game and set pieces were
being lost. All credit to Sidcup as they produced a much improved spirit
and bullied their hosts into a series of uncharacteristic mistakes
and bouts of recklessness. On the plus side Dover’s galvanised
squad were heroic in defence. The invaluable work rate of the back-row
of Collins, Jeremy Walmesley and Gus Surrendorf assisted in weathering
the storm and the reliable Mark Beaumont and Ed Close were faultless
at the back. After 56 minutes Dover gave away a silly penalty that
was slotted easily by Sidcup to reduce the deficit to 6 points. A little
uncertainty crept in and Sidcup increased their momentum causing all
sorts of problems up front. This was an absorbing cup tie with Dover
having to maintain a healthy appetite for the battle to survive the
contest. The Sharks position worsened when after 64 minutes Collins
was shown a red card for another adjudged technical offence and at
this point in proceedings Sidcup were certainly in control. Nine minutes
later Sidcup scored a well deserved try when from a line-out they drove
over to touch down. The conversion was missed.
Dover re-grouped and from the kick off took the game back to Sidcup.
From winning a line-out Dover spread a long miss-pass to centre Lee
Tonks who carved the visitors defence open and ran 35 metres before
passing to Ricky Mackintosh to score a try that was magnificent to
watch at any standard of the game. Sedgwick converted.
With 7 minutes of injury time played Dover held firm from a barrage
of the visitor’s forward power. Credit to the front 3 of Kirk
Savage, Chris Lucas and Shane Moore and to Dan Robinson, who had replaced
Davison, for their commitment in difficult circumstances.
In the final minute Dover made a counter attack during which a freak
injury to Martyn Beaumont saw him stretchered from the field with an
ankle injury. Although it was nice to take the scalp, the victory had
indeed come at a loss to a side that has little chance of progressing
further against the best of the counties heavyweights.
Graham Tonks commented with a mixed reaction; ‘The game was highly
exciting and we have learned a lot today. Although I am pleased with
the result our discipline and play in the second half was well below
par and we struggled unnecessarily. There is a massive gap between
us and the bigger clubs in Kent and that is something that we will
have to reflect upon as a result of the game today’.
Team:
Stanley, Savage, Lucas, Tonks D, Davison, Collins, Walmesley, Surrendorf,
Murray, Beaumont, Tonks L, Sedgwick, Mackintosh, Beaumont, Close, Dean,
Robinson, Moore.
Reported by Richard Collins
