Chingford 1st XV (28) v (18) Dover 1st XV
Played 22nd November 2008
Dover travelled to Chingford in the second round of the EDF Intermediate Cup
and debuts were given to Frogger Morton, Sam Coughlan, Arron Cooper and new
signing Michael O’Donnell from Deal Lions. Prop Ricky Stanley also had
his first outing following the triple break to his ankle in March.
In bitterly cold and windy conditions Chingford played the better rugby throughout
the game and run out the deserved winners. The first half saw numerous basic
errors from both sides and Dover took the lead with a Martyn Beaumont penalty.
This was short lived and the hosts soon equalled the score with a penalty and
were rather fortunate with their opening try with a long kick from deep and
the lucky bounce saw a breakaway try with the additional points added. Beaumont
added another penalty as did the home side and Beaumont scored a try late in
the half to reduce the deficit by two points.
The second half saw a number of changes for the visitors and the home side
kicked another penalty and scored another try to increase their lead. Dover
sustained two serious injuries with Sam McNamara leaving the field with painful
ribs and O’Donnell having no luck whatsoever twisting his knee, which
will need some weeks to put right. This is a major setback for player and club
as O’Donnell is an extremely talented individual able to play in most
positions in the back line. Dover didn’t give in and occasionally played
some good phases of rugby. Beaumont added another try and conversion and Chingford
scored another try to kill the game. Chingford’s forwards had been quicker
to the breakdowns and ruled that area of the game, which clearly won them the
contest and Dover wish them well in their cup campaign.
Dover were philosophical in defeat. The experience will prove beneficial to
the new players, who all performed well in difficult conditions, and the team
must now concentrate on surviving their first season in London 2.
Team; Cooper (Moore), Savage, Stanley (Lucas), Sluman, Robinson, Surendorff,
McNamara (Gill), Tonks, Murray, Beaumont, Charge, O’Donnell, Sedgwick,
Morton (Coughlan), Foster.
Report by: Richard Collins
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