Beckenham RFC (7) v (29) Dover 1st XV
Played 13th September 2008

Dover started their campaign in London South 2 with a confidence boosting victory away at Beckenham. A return of a number of key players was welcomed and the squad were in good spirit, although apprehensive, with the new challenges that lie ahead.

The first 20 minutes of the contest was played at a tremendous pace with Dover straight off the starting blocks and making the early running. With the slope and the sun in their favour it was important that the advantage was not lost and within 9 minutes Dover had scored two well-worked scores with Martyn Beaumont adding the extras to both. The first score started from a line out. The ball was spread wide across the park initially from left to right and after a number of phases of play the ball was returned in the opposite direction and Beaumont found a hole and touched down deep in the left hand corner. The second score originated initially from a penalty. Ben Murray hoofed the ball long and from the line out that followed Dover again used the ball swiftly across the threes and Ricky Mackintosh was on the end of an inside pass from Jon Foster to waltz home.

Dover should have then taken a strangle hold on the game at this point although it was not to be as their intensity dropped which allowed the hosts to get back in the game. Some superb defence from the Dover team thankfully repelled Beckenham’s efforts and on the counter attack Dover looked the more threatening.

The second half was similar to the’ first with a mixture of effort from both sides. Dover’s defence again held strong with some superb tackling particularly from Jamie Townley and Gus Surendorff.

The third score came after 57 minutes and started when the Beckenham inside centre was again caught in possession and the ball came loose just inside their own half and was then kicked forward. Beaumont chased and was on hand to collect and touch down for an opportunist score. Although the game was probably won at this point the home side refused to accept defeat and they tried desperately to get back in this game. Beaumont added to his tally shortly after with an infrequent penalty against the hosts midfield for offside. Dover’s efforts in defence was inspirational and Beckenham were having difficulty trying to pierce a hole through the middle.

The fourth try was a beauty with Blair Charge kicking a precision cross kick to Ricky Mackintosh who controlled the ball before sprinting the 15 metres to touch down. Dover had shown tremendous spirit and played some exceptional running rugby.

Dover used their replacements to good effect and they held on bravely to the last minute of the game when Beckenham deservedly ran in a well-worked score, which was converted.

Dover should feel satisfied with this result and Senior Coach Graham Tonks was upbeat about the months ahead, he commented “ This was by no means an easy start for us but we applied the early pressure took the points and dug deep. Our defence and commitment was first class and this game will give us the confidence to move forward. All of my players performed today which was more than satisfying”.
Dover face Old Colfeians at Crabble next week – kick off 1500 hours.

Team: Hewer, Moore, Lucas, Robinson, Tonks, Collins, Foster, Surendorff, Murray, Beaumont, Charge, Townley, Mackintsoh, Close, Lacey, McNamara, Bowditch.