Canterbury 3rd XV (0) v (45) Dover 2nd XV
Played 24th February 2007
Dover travelled to Canterbury this week to try and continue there
unbeaten run and maintain the lead in the race for the title, against
a very strong Canterbury team.
The game started evenly with both sides showing good skills in both
back and forward play. The game remained even until 20 minutes into
the half when a good drive from the forwards on the half way line led
to the defence being stretched. The ever aware Denning saw some space
down the blindside and showing good pace ran the ball in from half
way.0-5 Dover.
The game was restarted and Dover knew that they had to capitalise on
this score to make things more comfortable, which they did. Just before
the break John Howard picked up from the back of a ruck and beat 3
defenders with great pace and strength to touch down under the posts.
Marsh converted to make the half time score 0-12 Dover.
The second half began with Dover firmly on top and in control. The
defensive line led well by Marsh and Holdsworth did not crumble once
during the game, and was supported well with a lively back row of Howard,
May and Landman. The lineout was working better than ever; good movement
from Jacobs and his lifters, Gill and Hewer and good throwing from
Chambers meant the home side could not get near the ball. The pressure
increased and eventually took its toll on the Canterbury defence. Tolman
was put into a gap created by the movement of Holdswoth and he won
the footrace, showing good pace against the chasing winger to score
a well worked try. Marsh Converted.
The next try was the pick of the bunch. Dover fielded the ball straight
from the restart through Landman who set up the attack. Holdsworth
took the ball on and jinked between the centres before being brought
down and threw a spectacular pass to a charging Howard who made 40
m and was stopped just short of the line when he popped up a good pass
to the supporting Chambers to score. Marsh converted.
Dover was now firing and did not take the foot of the gas. Dover drove
deep into the Canterbury 22 with a solid maul. The ball was passed
out to Marsh who saw Liddon in space outwide. Liddon fixed 2 defenders
by straightening the line before passing to Morton who touchdown for
his first try of the season.
The score now 0-31.
The visitors were not done yet though. A good kicking exchange saw
Dover in the Canterbury 22 with an attacking lineout. Liddon took the
ball from the back of the lineout and drove for the line, brought down
just short the pack rucked well and Foster picked from the back and
scored his first try for the club. Marsh converted 0-38.
The final try was scored in similar fashion. The pack drove well from
a lineout and sucked in the Canterbury defence, making large gaps.
Landman, who was in the back line, was passed the ball by Blair, and
showing excellent strength shrugged off 3 defenders to wrestle the
ball over the try line. Marsh converted to make the score 45-0. The
last 5 minutes of the game saw a determined Canterbury, camped on the
Dover 5 m line, but blockbuster defence and a determination not to
concede, proved too good for Canterbury, who left the game with nothing.
The team: Hewer, Chambers, Gill, Liddon (C), Jacobs, May, Landman,
Howard, Denning, Marsh, Holdswoth, Morton, Tolman, Blair, Dean,
Foster, Rix, Kamara, Charge and Cattermole.
Reported by Paul Cairns
