Dover 1st XV (11) v (11) Dorking
Played 1st November 2008
After a run of recent defeats there would be very few who thought the home side would be able to achieve anything from a Dorking team that sit at the head of the league and have yet to lose a point this season. The performance that followed was an immense improvement in every area from recent weeks and the harsh words expressed by the coaching staff during the past few training sessions obviously paid dividends and Dover were ultimately disappointed not to have taken both points.
This wasn’t a day for open and fluid rugby as the weather conditions
were atrocious throughout the contest. Most other disciplines of sport wouldn’t
have coped with the weather but every player to a man provided a physical and
honest performance and both teams should be complimented for their efforts.
The first half saw the visitors take an early lead with a penalty on the
7th minute. Dover’s forwards battled well against a hefty opponent
and on the whole, although at times they were being pushed back, coped
admirably.
The front five were more together this week with a focus and a determined
attitude and the back row was more than a match for the visitors, with
little braking
through the defence. The game was very much even with a number of problematic
errors courtesy of the weather. 
Dover levelled the game late in the half
with a Martyn Beaumont penalty and they had the better of the closing minutes
and
were unlucky not to score after some immense pressure near to the try line.
They were rewarded with a penalty and a naïve decision to run the ball
without taking the kick was a moment of madness. This was one of two chances
that Dover should have kicked for points and players must realise the consequences
of such action.
The second half was similar to the first in many ways with regard to the
error rate. Dover had the better of the third quarter and the pressure
applied led
to Beaumont scoring a try after further pressure was applied in the Dorking
22. The ball rolled loose, following a good attacking move, and a tap
forward provided an easy touchdown. Unfortunately the conversion was missed.
Dorking
responded and Dover’s defence across the backline was better than in
recent weeks and they were stubbornly refusing to relinquish the lead following
some excellent work by Dorking. 
Young winger Dale Mercer thoroughly enjoyed
his day and it was welcoming to see Jamie Phillips so fearless considering
his recent injury scare. The visitors reduced the lead with a penalty and Dover’s
response was also 3 points at the other end. Dover should have closed the hatch
at this time and although on the attack in Dorking’s 22 the visitors
kicked over the top. Dover failed to clear the ball and make a tackle and the
Dorking inside centre collected the ball and run 50 metres to touch down and
score an excellent try producing a killer blow on the hosts. 
Thankfully the
conversion was missed. Dorking then launched a last effort and Dover was left
fighting for their lives in the closing minutes in what only can be described
as ‘trench warfare’. The defence was nothing but exceptional which
was testament for their efforts against such a good side and one Dover player
finished the half receiving treatment for a ‘stinger’ neck injury
sustained from a try saving tackle, which brought a close to the game. Dover’s
efforts had been as the Chairman described as ‘titanic’ at the
death. Mr Quantock should be complimented on his officiating in difficult conditions.
Senior Coach Graham Tonks commented ‘I was pleased with the passion shown
here today. This was an immense effort against the league leaders and we might
have won it if the two penalty chances had been taken. Credit must be given
to both teams and the supporters for taking part in this fine game’.
Dover travel to Chobham next week in another difficult game.
Team: Lucas, Savage, Moore, Tonks D., Robinson, Collins, Foster, Surendorff,
Murray, Sedgwick, Tonks L, Beaumont, Mercer, Phillips, Townley, Bowditch, Charge,
McNamara.
Report by: Richard Collins
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