Thanet Wanderers (12) v (43) Dover IV
Played 26/01/2008
After a series of cancellations, Dover fourths finally played their first
game in 2008. Travelling to Thanet with a strong team, Dover were soon on top
in
the battle of the forwards. After a series of mauls near the Thanet line ,
Rolland emerged with the ball and he squirted out a pass to winger Danny Prescott
who plunged over the line. Dover continued to dominate the contact area and
it was no surprise that they increased their lead when Clive Wilkins ploughed
over the try line. Further good play from both backs and forwards then saw
fullback and newcomer Justin Marx step through a retreating defence to cap
a fine move. The final act of the first half saw Neil Yarnell stretch his long
frame over the line following more good play from the Dover pack.
Playing with the wind in the second half, Dover fully expected to add to their
score, but with a series of disruptions to the front row of both sides the
game was punctuated with many faltering scrums and so the ball failed to emerge
to either sides backs.Thanet then put the Dover defence under pressure and
following good recycling the number eight crashed over the try line.The game
then became more physical and players from both sides were guilty of minor
infringements and misdemeanours. Finally Dover played some territorial rugby,
with the boot of Bowman pinning Thanet in their own twenty two. From a restart,
Dover collected a high ball and it was quickly fed to a surging John Howard
who charged through the floundering home defence. He was just tackled before
the try line but captain Jason Wall was on hand to pick up his pass to score
under the post. Another try soon followed, Yarnell and Hover drove through
the Thanet defence and quick hands allowed Mike Samson to out pace the cover
defence. Dover then started to play some bright and inventive rugby. Justin
Marx cut through the Thanet backs with pace and power and he found Bowman with
a fine pass, the expected dummy followed but was bought by both covering defenders
and so Dover found themselves with another converted try. In the final act
of the second half Thanet scored a fine consolation try with good handling
and excellent support play. Both teams played the game with fine spirit particularly
the props of both sides who surely must ache.
Report by: Chris Bowman
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