Dover 1st XV (69) v (0) Darfordians
Played 3rd March 2007
I think I am right in saying on behalf of all the many supporters
who attended this game, that this was simply one magical day. A pre-match
feast for sponsors and friends of the club, followed by an 11 try feast
of some sublime rugby and capped by a superb feast of stew and dumplings
was the perfect day for the Dover Sharks to not only win in such a
marvellous style but be assured of promotion next season to London
3. Once again thanks must go to our resident Master Chef, John Rhodes-
Craddock, for his continued efforts and hard work.
In perfect conditions Dover produced a performance that even the legendary
Dai Rees would have applauded from the skies above. The Sharks were
totally committed from the start and although the first quarter saw
the hosts lacking a little composure the game was always safely in
their control. On 21 minutes the deadlock was broken when from skipper
Martyn Beaumont received an inside pass from Ben Sedgwick to sprint
away and touch down. A relatively easy conversion was missed by Sedgwick
but he atoned for his error by slotting 7 in total for the day. The
benchmark was now set and for the remaining 60 minutes Dartfordians
endured a torrid time. Dover’s improved lineout continued and
the quality of possession is reaping benefit. A total of 7 line-outs
were stolen on the day by Dover. The work horse and in-form Dale Tonks
secured the ball and Ricky Stanley’s pack drove 20 metres forward
with Ben Murray releasing quick ball for the flying winger and menace
Ricky Mackintosh to ghost inside to power his way through for the second
score. The third try came straight from the re-start and one supporter
was heard to shout ‘champagne rugby’. The ball was secured
and spread across the field, through eight sets of hands for the Kiwi
Jeremy Walmesley to score under the posts, for what many would class
as the best so far this season. 
Minutes later Beaumont scored his second
when he sprinted 60 metres through a demoralised defence to score.
Just before the interval the back row trio combined beautifully. Buster
Collins secured a loose ball on the lineout and made ground; Trigger
Davison took the pop and drove forward with Walmesley on hand to complete
the task.
The second half started with some indiscipline from Dover and a number
of meaningless penalties, however once that nonsense was out of the
system Dover increased the lead. Davison picked up on the blind from
a scrum and set up the ruck, a fine miss pass to centre Lee Tonks provided
the window of opportunity for him to score under the posts and continue
his excellent run of form. It was all pressure and although Dartford
were being battered they did work tirelessly and credit must be given
for their heart and effort. Adam Wallace and Ed Close were their defiant
selves in defence and attack. Mark Beaumont replaced his brother on
the field and was soon on hand with a great run to set up the next
score. He ran diagonally across the park and the ball was spread again
wide in the opposite direction, with the pack on a roll and Collins ‘stole’ the
try from Danny Robinson, who was again worthy of mention. Chris Lacey
joined the fold with fresh legs and Chris Lucas relieved Stanley and
joined fellow prop Shane Moore. Murray was the next on the score-sheet
when from a quick tap penalty he took the opportunity to score a simple
touch down and scored his brace soon after with another well timed
run. The final score again came from a lineout that hooker Kirk Savage
must be congratulated on. Collins took the ball on the burst and Walmesley
was in support on the inside to grab his hatrick. This was the end
to an absorbing victory which left the entire crowd to digest the implications
of life on the next rung of the ladder.
Graham Tonks was delighted with his teams display; ‘We responded
well today and I hope our supporters were pleased with such an excellent
performance. It was pure entertainment and the club have achieved something
for which I am very proud. However the work is not finished; the discipline
is still not good enough and there are 3 games left. Eastbourne in
two weeks is the real test of character. The work rate needs to be
increased if we are to achieve our goal’.
Team; Moore, Savage, Stanley, Tonks D, Robinson, Collins, Walmesley, Davison, Murray, Beaumont, Tonks L, Sedgwick, Mackintosh, Wallace, Close, Lucas, Lacey, Beaumont.
We are also very grateful to the Home game Match Ball Sponsors -
Peter Wash
of W. Enterprises and Carolyn Crowe (Club Sponsor)
Reported by Richard Collins
