Maidstone 1st XV (5) v (28) Dover 1st XV
Played 30th November 2008
This was the first competitive fixture that Dover have played against the Stones for the best part of 40 years or so and the visitors will be fully satisfied with the two points gained that now places them into 6th place in London 2 South.
Although the hosts have been having a torrid time this season they proved to be a good hard working team with plenty of spirit with a never say die attitude. The pitch was sodden and heavy and all the players did their best in the most difficult of conditions and any thoughts of a fast flowing game soon evaporated.
Dover kicked up the slope in the first half and they had the better of the possession and territory throughout the game. Martyn Beaumont kicked an early penalty and although Dover looked dangerous with ball in hand far too many errors were made to capitalise on the score. 
The continued pressure paid dividends when Ben Sedgwick charged down a kick on the 22 and he then collected the ball nicely to score the try. The two points were added.
Both sides gave away far too many penalties in the first half and unfortunately the game became a rather stop start affair. Maidstone reduced the deficit when they stole the ball from Dover and a clean break paved the way for a well taken try.
Dover increased their lead shortly after kick off when pressure at the base of the Stone’s scrum allowed Beaumont to break away and sprint the 40 metres to touch down. Dover maintained the pressure on the home sides 22 but a dogged defence and resistance proved difficult to break down.
Prop Chris Lucas had his best game this season with a superb effort particularly with ball in hand. Winger Sam Coughlan had his first team league debut, following his performance last weekend, and he again showed his worth both in attack and in defence. One negative aspect of Dover’s play was their indiscipline, which proved costly and was dealt with appropriately by the coach.
Dover’s persistence lead to a superb try by Jon Foster when the forwards set the platform and the ball was spread through numerous pair of hands before being touched down. Dover were firmly in control albeit that the going was never made easy with the Stones burly front five causing a nuisance. A further penalty was added by Dover and on the closing minute Ben Murray chipped a delicate ball for Beaumont to chase and he pipped the defenders in catching the ball on the try line to score.
This was a pleasing result and although the team never lost faith in their abilities this will undoubtedly boost their confidence for next weeks home game against Gravesend.
Team; Lucas (Bowditch), Savage, Moore, Sluman (Surendorff), Robinson, Collins, Foster, Tonks D, Murray, Sedgwick, Tonks L (Charge), Beaumont, Phillips, Coughlan, Townley.
Report by: Richard Collins
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