Dover 3rd XV (12) v (5) Whitstable 2nds
Played at Thanet - Saturday 24th Martch 2007
Dover made it 5 league wins out of 6 since Xmas, with a hard fought win over league leaders Whitstable 2nds, (their only defeat being by one point against Canterbury). It has taken time but now the young 18 year olds are getting to grips with adult rugby and the physicality that is needed to compete against mature sides. And Whitstable were certainly BIG! With holidays and illness ruling out Claw & Co., (and others) the team had to call upon Neil Yarnell & 'Roscoe' Tanner from the 4ths to bulk up their forward effort. Dover started with a bang and controlled most of the first half with good forward play and plenty of penetration from the backs which resulted in Sam McNamara going over for a try converted by Micky Gaughran. There was constant raining in the 2nd half which allowed the heavier Whitstable pack to dominate and although Dover's heroic defence held them for long periods, a Dover 5 metre scrum was turned over and the no. 8 scored but the conversion missed. However Dover's superior fitness and athleticism came into play for the last quarter, and constant pressure resulted in Whitstable giving ground. From a fine back move Richie Will (back from university) crossed in the corner, Dover then closed out the game, helped by fine line kicking from Sam Coughlan. The whole side deserves huge credit for their determined resolve again larger and more experienced opposition. Man of the match - ALL OF THEM!
Reported by Brian Burr
