Thanet Wanderers (18) v (14) Dover 1st XV
Played at Thanet 10/02/2007
Dover’s progression to the quarter final of the Kent Cup was
creditable in itself and once again they would be tested to the hilt
against the Wanderers who currently sit in third place in London 2.
Undaunted by the challenge Dover performed brilliantly and the supporters
who travelled witnessed a brave and powerful performance; many would
say they were unlucky not to have won in the closing minutes.
Thanet had the better of the first half which undoubtedly cost Dover
the game. A nervy start and some indecision saw Thanet take the lead
after13 minutes. Thanet’s inside centre collected a loose ball
just outside the Dover 22 and ran unopposed to touch down under the
posts. The conversion followed. Dover re-grouped and took the game
back to the hosts. The defence was excellent with Ed Close in fine
form at the back, taking the high ball cleanly and making more than
one all important tackles. Thanet’s midfield looked dangerous
and their back line was testing for the Sharks, however Dover showed
immense character and a dogged determination to battle this one out.
The rugby wasn’t always pretty but it was hard, relentless and
uplifting. Scrum half Ben Murray caused mayhem at the back of Thanet’s
scrum all afternoon and the back row of Jeremy Walmesley, Buster Collins
and Gus Surrendorf were on hand to nullify any threat from their counterparts.
Jamie Townley went close on one occasion and on the 24th minute Dover
won their lineout and lock Trigger Davison kicked an audacious up and
under which wasn’t collected cleanly and a nudge forward saw
Ben Sedgwick touch down and convert to even the scores. The game was
now on and Thanet saw the better of the remainder of the half and two
converted penalties cost Dover badly.
The second half was a different story. Thanet hadn’t had it all
their own way but a marked improvement was needed from the Sharks,
if they were to have any hope of winning. Coach Graham Tonks gave his
team a clear focus; increase the tempo, refuse to be intimidated and
gather the confidence to front up. That’s exactly what happened.
The forwards display, once again against a much larger pack, was massively
impressive and the three quarters were straight in the face of the
opposition. A little bit of niggle crept into the game, which wasn’t
unsurprising and Dover were disappointed about a number of decisions
that went against them, several being in the Thanet red zone. After
56 minutes skipper Ricky Stanley was sin binned, as the observant linesman
had seen something untoward. The Sharks rallied and Thanet failed to
take the opportunity to increase their lead. Dover looked to be the
more dangerous side and several breaks unfortunately broke down and
good opportunities to score lost. Locks Dale Tonks and Danny Robinson
worked tirelessly and the front row comprising of Chris Lucas, Kirk
Savage and Shane Moore (replacement for Stanley) proved to be a match
against their opponents. Serious questions were now being asked of
Thanet and when Stanley returned the pressure intensified. Dover were
dealt a serious blow when Thanet increased the lead as Dover’s
midfield were carved open and the full back scored a well taken try.
With a sense of pride Dover rallied. An excellent break by Ricky Mackintosh
on the right wing saw the ball strike a Thanet foot, a deft kick forward
was chased and touched down by Lee Tonks. The linesman evidently said
the score was good but the referee overturned the decision for a knock
on. Dover supporters, close on hand, were incensed but the decision
was made. Further disappointment followed when a cowardly haymaker
from the Thanet open side landed on the mouth of a Dover prop, as the
scrummage was being formed, causing a nasty wound. The unobservant
linesman in question was stood in line with a clear and unobstructed
view and was the only person on the line who didn’t see the punch
being thrown, let alone the noise of the impact. This was just one
of many poor decisions made by this inept official and both teams deserved
better on the day. Veteran winger Stuart Dean had battled well and
he was replaced by ‘Frogger’ Morton making his debut in
the 1’s. In the final minutes Thanet’s hooker missed his
target, Collins collected and drove forward and the ball was fed to
Sedgwick who scored his brace and converted. The game ended shortly
afterwards and Thanet were obviously relieved to have won this enthralling
game. Dover had performed superbly and had taken the game to the Wanderers.
Once again the contest has shown that Dover is slowly reducing the
gap between the better sides in the county. They fought like lions
and posed serious problems against a team that has been well ahead
of Dover for many years.
Coach Graham Tonks commented; ‘We had our opportunities and we
didn’t back down. In the first 40 we lacked confidence and it
cost us dearly. However we came back strongly and we might have won
it had certain things gone our way. The boys should be proud of themselves,
they continue to achieve which I am delighted with. Good luck to Thanet
in the next round’.
Team;
Stanley, Savage, Lucas, Tonks D, Davison, Collins, Walmesley, Surrendorf,
Murray, Sedgwick, Tonks L, Townley, Mackintosh,Dean, Close, Moore,
Robinson, Morton.
Dover meet Bromley in a must win league fixture at Crabble on Saturday – kick
off 14.15 hours. Your support would be welcomed.
Reported by Richard Collins
