Dover 2nd XV (20) v (10) Ash XV
Played on 28th January 2007
Ash came to Crabble looking to turn around a 25 point deficit from
the first leg of the Kent Plate Semi Final.
Dover started well, with the forwards driving hard into the Ash half,
spearheaded by man of the match for the second week Dan Gill. This
early pressure caused Ash to kill the ball and concede a penalty. On
the Ash 10 metre line Marsh confidently stepped up to convert a long
range penalty. The visitors responded well though and came up the slope
in numbers and determination. The Dover defence went offside to try
and stop the Ash pack driving hard, inviting the Ash kicker to convert
a penalty to level the scores at 3 all.
Dover again drove hard into the Ash half and pinned them back on
their try line for a good period of possession. From this possession
the
Dover pack worked a good opening through intricate passing before
Howard scored a well worked try. Marsh converted. Ash came back strong,
threatening
the try line on a couple of occasions but good defence from May,
Denning, Stamp and Chambers prevented a score. Dover cleared their
lines well
through Marsh and Price which put Dover in good positions to attack
the Ash lineout through the spring like Jacobs. From the line out’s
the ball was spread well through the backs to the wingers, Morton and
Henson. Morton made several speedy jinking runs throughout the game,
making good ground every time, and young Henson making his second team
debut was solid in defence all match. The good runs from Morton put
Dover in a good position and clever forward play from Cattermole and
the bullish style of Hewer lead to Dover scoring another try, from
the run of Hewer off the back of a ruck. This made the half time score
15 – 3.
Ash began the second half with the slope in their favour, hoping
to use it to their advantage. Foe the first part of the half Dover
retained
possession well and created many opportunities but good defence denied
the sharks a score. Finally the pressure took its tole and a good
run from Mo at fullback set up May on the charge. May was brought
down
but quick thinking from Gill set him on his way to the try line,
only to be brought down 5 metres short, but a good pass off of the
ground
from Gill and support from Denning lead to Dover extending their
lead to 20 – 3. With this score Dover brought on fresh legs in the
shape of Rix who added hard straight running on the wing, debutant
Adam who bulked up a solid front row and returning Dan James who showed
his blistering pace as soon as he came on. Ash came at Dover with everything,
to salvage some pride and defence eventually gave in after some excellent
forward play from Ash, to make the final score 20 – 10.
Next week Dover play Deal/Betteshanger Lions at home in a eagerly awaited
league clash.
Report by Paul Cairns
