Dover RFC & Duke of York’s OBA
Remembrance weekend fixtures.
Dover RFC were proud to host the Duke of York’s OBA veterans fixture again this year. Last November was the first time this fixture had been hosted by the club, which proved a success thanks to the great effort and will on the part of the DYRMS OBA and Dover RFC to make it happen.
This year the work started early in preparation for a more ambitious day involving 2 fixtures at Crabble. It was thought unfair that the over 30’s were the only ones representing the OBA and the idea of an under 30’s side was floated. Such was the hard work by Dave Shott and his immediate team mates, a side captained by Andy Black was arranged fulfilling the U30’s fixture.
Thus some 150 Old Boys descended on Crabble (thanks to Neil Rankin who shuttled many of this number to the ground and back to their hotels afterwards). The Mercer’s laid on copious quantities of curry with all the trimmings, and the bar was a continuous source of essential fluids throughout the event. Thanks also to Justin Sampson who refereed both fixtures, ably assisted by home referees David Booth and Daniel Parrott.
Dover’s 1st XV were engaged in league duties at Hove, but the youngsters of the development squad along with players from the 2nd, 4th, and Veterans XV all stepped up to take to the field.
First up were the U30’s as it was deemed they would have recovered from the Friday night quicker than the over 30’s, and clearly they had. Complete with Dover 1st XV player and ex Dukie Matt Gilbert they put on an excellent display against strong opposition. The DYRMS OBA U30’s were worthy winners following a huge performance in the second half, the match ended with a 44 – 8 score line. This was an important test for what we hope will be a permanent fixture in coming years.
Then came the turn of the over 30’s and Shotty’s men resplendent in their new playing shirts took the field. It is important to mention that they were one or two chosen men short through injury, and more importantly they were missing Mike Davies their close team mate. Mike suffered a brain hemorrhage a week earlier, and while urgent surgery was successful was still hospitalized and is not out of the woods yet. However from his hospital bed he put in the call; ringing to apologize for being unable to attend, putting those who just failed to turn up without explanation to shame.
The over 30’s fixture was a much stiffer contest, with the Dukies in their 30’s meeting the formidable force from Dover with an age range from 35 to 53. Following an impeccably observed minutes silence by players and spectators alike, the game got underway. This match ebbed and flowed with some huge individual performances from both sides, Thomson, Sayers, Cottam Mercer and Mills plus Burr and Rankin from Dover shaking off the years were in imperious form, indeed with 5 minutes of the match left the Dukies lead was only 2 points at 15 – 13. But in the closing minute the Dukies inspirational captain Dave (Shotty) Shott scored and with Dave Relph converting the final score was 22-13 to the Duke of York’s.
Dukies point scorers: Karl Beverley (pen), Andy File (try), Nige Clarkson (try), Dave Shott (try), Dave Relph (2 cons).
Left: Justin Sampson (Referee).
Back Rank: L - R = Rupert Murray-Twinn, Richard Credland, Rhodri Phillip, James Carter, Dave Shott, Jase Durup, Nige Clarkson, Andy File, Steve Parker, Ian Kennett, Barry Pryor
Front Row L - R = Richard Graham, Dave Relph, Karl Beverley, Andy Barlow, Jim Whittington, James Relph, Andy Owen, Pete Scargill, Karl Friessner-Day.
Presentations in the clubhouse between officials and captains from both the OBA and Dover RFC – with the Christian Redman memorial trophy for OBA man of the match going to Jason Durup. Shields were presented by ex Dover player and Duke of York’s teacher Peter Sampson and MC Andy Barlow for the OBA. Celebrations continued in the club long and hard punctuated by the news of the first fifteens win over Hove, and England losing to Argentina.
Later Saturday evening 145 OBA members and their guests attended the OBA dinner at Whitfield, while countless others took to the drinking hostelries of down town Dover. But no matter what hour of the morning each returned to what can only be described as the place they had left their suitcase, certainly not much sleeping went on. A huge OBA contingent fell in to march and pay their respects at the Duke of York’s war memorial. This was followed by a stirring service of remembrance in the school chapel, where young and old alike let vent with Jerusalem, I vow to thee my country and several other emotive hymns (including “sons of the brave”).
May I just say how grateful I am to all at Dover RFC who made sure true hospitality was shown to our friends from the Duke of York’s, and for the Old Dukies who entered the full spirit of the occasion and allowed this weekend to be so successful. To the DYRMS OBA committee for all their support in the ideas and plans, Stan and Chris for the many photographs and to the many school and class mates from all the years who made my weekend so enjoyable – now next year we must……..
Report by: Richard Catt – DYRMS-OBA & Chairman Dover RFC.
Posted 14th November 2006
