Dover 1st XV (7) v (8) Gravesend 1st XV
Played 6th November 2008
This game was very much a repeat of last seasons contest for a number of respects with the two points being clinched in the first minute of injury time by the visitors. Once again the defence, on the whole, was exceptional from both sides and there was again very little to separate the two teams.
Although Gravesend had the benefit of the slope in the first half it was the hosts who had the better of the first 40 minutes. Dover welcomed back Ricky Mackintosh from a long term injury and it wasn’t too long before Dover realised what they had been missing for the past few months.
Dover’s pack started extremely well and were harassing G’s and turning over much needed ball in the loose. 
Dover had one superb opportunity to score when Martyn Beaumont split G’s defence before passing to Jamie Phillips who was tackled close to the try line. G’s responded well and their pressure was rewarded by a penalty that was kicked after 26 minutes. Dover responded and dug deep and on the closing minute of the half Dover won their scrum on their 22 metre line and Mackintosh was let loose on the blind and he raced some 60 metres before passing to Jamie Townley on the inside to score a great try. Beaumont added the conversion.
Unfortunately the heroics of the first half were not repeated and Gravesend’s improved performance would finally pay dividends by the close of play. Dover spent far too much time defending in their own half and once again indiscipline and the loss of set pieces would cost them dearly. 
Prop Shane Moore left the field with a recurrence of an injury and was replaced by Lee Bowditch, with the in form Chris Lucas also injured but having to weather the pain for the remainder of the game. The game was fiercely contested with a mutual respect amongst both players and supporters, with a strong contingent travelling from North Kent.
Bowditch was carded shortly into the half, however Dover competed well and G’s were unable to score against Dover’s 14 men. Lee Tonks had a massive game in the centre, particularly in his defence. 
Dover were awarded their only penalty in the half on the 64th minute and the difficult kick from about 40 metres was unfortunately missed. The officiating was subject to some dialogue after the game and although Dover’s own discipline cannot be condoned the hosts have a right to feel aggrieved at the lack of consistency, which in such close games as this fuels debate.
Dover did have several good opportunities with Mackintosh causing havoc but G’s were steadfast in their defending.
The remainder of the game was spent mostly in Dover’s half with G’s looking the more likely to score the deciding try. Dover worked hard to stop the pressure but had two scrums turned over in succession on the 40th minute with an overlap being created on the blind for the winning try to be scored.
Dover were quite rightly disappointed and again harsh words were expressed as to the manner of the defeat. The hosts did have sufficient ball to capitalise, particularly in the first half and the intensity of the game at this level shows the necessity to take scoring opportunities when they arise. Gravesend were deserving of their win at the close. Dover are now placed 7th place in the league.
The 1st XV have a weeks break before travelling to Thanet on the 20th December.
Team; Lucas, Savage, Moore (Bowditch), Robinson, Sluman (Surendorff), Collins, Foster, Tonks D, Murray, Charge, Tonks L, Beaumont, Phillips, Mackintosh (Coughlan), Townley.
Photos By Igor Kupco prints available 07731787485
Report by: Richard Collins
back to 1st XV Home Page
