Ashford 3rd XV (14) v (23) Dover 3rd XV
Played at Ashford - Saturday 31st Martch 2007
The Sharks expected a tough game from an Ashford side that were big
up front with some lively centres who put Dover on the back foot from
the start and , if they hadn't fumbled the ball they could well have
scored first. This action seemed to liven the Dover side up and kick
start their game. Good defensive work prevailed for Dover through out
the game with the back row of Lehahan Fin Macmara and Clark particularly
strong. However the best workman like tackling came from Ian Dowie
at lock who knocked the large Ashford forwards back on many occasions
which deservedly won him the accolade of man of the match.
The first Dover score came from the elusive jinky running of Hollands
followed by a try by Sam Macmara with demon speed.
However the best try came from debutant James Jolife, who had taken
over from the injured Finn at back row.
He timed his charge from a 2nd phase ball and crashed through several
Ashford players to score his first senior try with finesse from 20metres.
The front row of Rix, Chambers,and Tanner, competed well through out
and won their ball to give Burr and his backs some good attacking chances,
which saw Kember go over.
Ashford proved strong opposition up front with their consistently good
mauling technique
Although their truck and maul did not adhere to the law, the referee
let this go, which saw them put plenty of pressure on the young Dover
side. Despite terrific tackling by the Sharks the Ashford no 8 did
managed to break the defensive line to score a try. Hall, the Ashford
no 10 used the wind well to gain ground but with Marsden, the Ashford
hooker constantly killing the ball, the Dover team used this to their
advantage to play out the game for another fine win.
SQUAD.
RIX,CHAMBERS,TANNER,DOWIE,MORRISON,MACMARRA,
LEHAN FIN,CLARK ,JOLIFFE, BURR ,WILL,GOUGHRAN,KEMBER,AYLING,HOLLANDS,
JARRED COLE,AND COGGY
Reported by George
Clark
