Snowdown 2nd XV (24) V (7) Dover 4th XV
Played at Snowdown (EK League 3) on 10/02/2007
Over subscribed with players for the first time this season, the Sharks travelled to Snowdown for their normal hard fought local derby. Captain Hover elected to stay on the bench and give upcoming development squad players a run out. Dover started the much brighter team, with the backs looking strong early on and only solid defence stopping them from really hurting the home side. The pack looked good, securing quick ball from rucks and mauls for stand in captain Bowman to feed a new look back line consisting of James and young Mercer. It didn’t take long before Dover succumbed to their first injury and after just 25 mins Aiken replaced No8 Rix. Changes in the packs back row didn’t seem to affect Dover’s flow and just 2 minutes later they were walking the ball down the field in a great drive secured from Wall’s take in the lineout. With Snowdown going backwards, the ball was transferred out to the backs whose quick hands found gaps in the Snowdown defence and it was Bowman who made it over the line in the corner for a converted try. A few minutes later, an injury to scrumhalf Gaughran forced yet more changes. Mercer stepped up into the vacant No9 position, which enabled an overdue appearance of Oliver. Snowdown levelled the score at 7-7, just before replacement Aiken had to leave the field through yet another injury. With the youngster dropping like flies, skipper Hover took to the field in time for the half time whistle.
Unfortunately, the pressure took its toll in the second half and Snowdowns
fly-half ran the ball at pace and broke through the Sharks defence
with a great try.
After this the home side began to run riot through both forwards and
backs. Snowdown managed to score in quick succession due to missed
tackles from Dover in all areas of the field, much to the Sharks’ dismay.
Final score: Dover 4ths 7 – Snowdown 2nds 24. Most of the team
have a well earned rest next week as the Vets play on Sunday.
Team: REVITT, MILLS, CATTERMOLE, CLEWLOW, SHRUB, WALL, LANDEN, RIX, GAUGHRAN, BOWMAN, PRESCOTT, SAMPSON, SPEAKMAN, MERCER, JAMES, AIKEN, OLIVER, HOVER, DEAN, ATKINS, COLE.
reported by Richard Hover
