Beccehamiens(3) v (29) Dover 1st XV
Played at Beccehamiens 20/01/2007
Dover maintained their good form thanks to a controlled performance
throughout the game. Beccs have always been a hard nut to crack and
the Sharks should be pleased of this comprehensive victory; even though
the score doesn’t reflect the dominance of the Dover game.
Owing to a number of injuries sustained in last weeks game the back
line was revamped with Ben Sedgwick slotting in for Martyn Beaumont
at outside half and Jeremy Walmesly and Adam Wallace included at centre
and wing respectively. The opening few minutes was mixed with a number
of pointless and sloppy errors by Dover and Beccs kicked a penalty
to take the lead. Their advantage was short lived and basically from
hereon Dover monopolised the remainder of the game. 
Once again Dover’s
pack were inspirational against a side littered with experience and
bulk. Hooker Kirk Savage should be singled out with his line-out jumpers
Dale Tonks and Gus Surrendorf for a superb display, losing only one
and winning three, in a faultless performance. After eleven minutes
Dover took the lead when Dover charged down a defensive clearance and
the deflected ball landed in Ricky Mackintosh’s hands to storm
through a number of tackles to touch down under the posts.
I
won’t
mention the conversion! Shortly after the intensity of Dover’s
pressure saw them awarded a penalty that Sedgwick slotted. Credit must
be given to Beccs as they fought and defended to stem the tide and
the score wasn’t increased until late in the half. Dover won
their line-out and the forwards drove forward setting up the ruck and
the ball was spread beautifully along the line for Ed Close to touch
down. 
Directly
from the kick off Dover secured the ball and again spread to Adam Wallace
who charged down the flank and set up a driving maul
with Ben Murray feeding quick ball across the back line with Buster
Collins in support to touch down.
The second half started in similar fashion to the second with a number
of silly errors and needless penalties. Dover took a line-out against
the head and the pressure was off. Once again defence was solid with
Jamie Townley and Walmesley impenetrable in mid field. Dover responded
and attacked up field with some superb driving from the pack, with
Ricky Stanley, Chris Lucas and Dan Robinson in particular showing their
strength. The pressure provided Dover with a further penalty and Sedgwick
converted his second of the day. Although in command and in control
Dover suffered from losing possession and the penalty count against
them was a little disappointing on the day. Several rolling mauls from
Dover saw them marching up the slope and Trigger Davison had several
strong runs; his performances improve each week following his lengthy
absence through injury.
The fresh legs of Stuart Dean and Wayne Matcham assisted Dover to continue their ways and Segdwick slotted another penalty before he capped his day on the 36th minute when he collected a stray ball and ran 25 metres to touch down.
Coach Graham Tonks commented ‘This was an excellent performance
and possibly the score should have been greater. The pack were formidable
today and in particular our line-outs were superb.
Several players
were forced to play out of their normal positions but they stuck to
their task and I am grateful to them. There’s still a long way
to go and we have much to work on’.
Dover and Eastbourne still hold a 4 point lead at the head of the table.
Team; Lucas, Savage, Stanley, Tonks D, Robinson, Collins, Davison, Surrendorf, Murray, Sedgwick, Walmesley, Townley, Wallace, Mackintosh, Close, Moore, Dean,Matcham.
Reported by Richard
Collins
Pictures by Martyn Beaumont
