Eastbourne 1st XV (19) v (10) Dover 1st XV
Played 17th March 2007
Dover’s chances of winning London 4 were dealt a huge blow
following a disappointing defeat to a vastly improved Eastbourne side.
Once again,
as in the previous season, Dover failed to perform when it was most
needed. There can be no excuses as the squad were at full strength
and preparations had gone to plan. The hosts won the toss and elected
to kick up hill in the first half against the wind and a strong sun.
Dover dominated in the opening minutes and pressure was applied immediately.
The efforts were rewarded when Martyn Beaumont collected a long pass
40 metres out, rounded the full back and touched down. Ben Sedgwick
converted. From hereon Eastbourne took the game back to the Sharks
and Dover pressed the self destruct button. The conditions were ideal
for wide tactical kicking and on the very few occasions we took that
option Dover were always in for a chance of scoring. In the main they
decided to run the ball and two minutes later Eastbourne intercepted
a pass, in the visitors 22 and their forwards drove forward and touched
down. The half was scrappy and frenetic with both sides having difficulty
with the wind. Dover’s penalty count was disappointing and indiscipline
again crept into the game. Dover increased their lead when Sedgwick
kicked a penalty on the half hour. The Sharks did have several opportunities
to score and their defence was good on Eastbourne’s counter attack,
particularly in the closing minutes of the half. Dover were awarded
a penalty in front of the posts in the last minute of the game and
a chance to increase the lead to two scores was unfortunately lost
and they faced a monumental task in the second half of winning this
contest.
After a severe half time ‘chat’ Dover started the second
half well. The forwards took possession of the ball and after numerous
phases had driven themselves 25 metres up field. Following a knock
on the hosts won the scrum and a delicate chip downfield eventually
led lead to a scrummage with the Eastbourne 8 breaking on the back
and powering over. The conversion was missed. This was the last thing
that Dover wanted and matters were further complicated when Beaumont
was carried from the field after 52 minutes with a re-occurrence of
his ankle injury. Four minutes later Ricky Stanley was carded for a
high tackle and the task was getting more difficult by the minute.
The penalty was easily kicked and the score now in the hosts favour.
The Sharks did their utmost to get back in the game with some strong
runs and useful territory gained, however they come across a barrage
of blue and gold that defended admirably in front of over 300 home
supporters! With the pressure on the discipline again was brought into
question and again the penalty count was pitiful. Stanley returned
to the pitch and received a punch to the face that I’m sure all
witnessed, however that went unpunished! Frustration had set in and
although I must agree that the official had a nightmare, the players
must learn to play the referee, particularly when this individual is
officiating, which seems to be quite often lately. Eastbourne were
now in total control and Dover didn’t really look like pulling
this back. Two further penalties were slotted by Bourne and the gap
was now too wide to threaten. Eastbourne thoroughly deserved to win
this game on this performance and their were some kind words exchanged
between the two sides over a beer, watching another pitiful game!
Coach Graham Tonks was gracious although furious in defeat – ‘We
were well and truly stuffed today by a unit that played as a team and
not as individuals and congratulations must go to the hosts. My team
didn’t turn up today and we need to mature and learn from this
lesson, which I’m sure we will. The discipline was hopeless whatever
anyone’s views were of the decisions made and it yet again cost
us dearly. I can only hope we win our next two games and Eastbourne
falter’.
Team: Lucas, Savage, Stanley, Tonks D, Davison, Collins, Walmsley,
Surrendorf, Murray, Beaumont, Tonks L, Townley, Mackintosh, Sedgwick,
Close, Moore, Robinson, Wallace.
Reported by Richard Collins
