Dover 1st XV (0) v (0) Cobham 1st XV
Played 14th February 2009
Dover faced a team, that they consider to be the best in the league, with a little apprehension owing to the fact that they had been totally outclassed in the away fixture earlier in the season. With a new confidence about them and a string of some fine games, since the festive break, the home side produced a performance that many of the Dover supporters would class as one of their best displays for many a year.
Not only was this a game that Dover dominated for much throughout, it was in fact a mature and solid display that deserved two points, had the scoring opportunities been taken. On the other hand Cobham should be congratulated for their contribution with some sublime defensive qualities that Dover were unfortunately unable to breach.
Although Crabble had taken its toll following the recent bad weather and the going was heavy, the two teams provided an excellent contest for the many supporters to enjoy. Although the visitors had the benefit of the slope in the first half Dover adopted an attacking approach to proceedings, being on the offensive from early on. Dover were full of endeavour and the recent run of form has instilled some real bite in their game play, proving that the hallowed ground at Crabble, once adorned by the likes of such greats as Gary Sobers and the fine Kent cricketers of the past, is a more than difficult place to achieve victory.
Photo by Igor Kupco
Dover's forwards were again impressive against a team littered with experience. 
Photo by Igor Kupco
Ben Vick made his first full debut at blindside and his strength and knowledge, together with his leadership qualities, were worthy of note. The front five were strong and fronted well and the back row's work rate immense. 
Photo by Igor Kupco
With their set possession being won Dover's threes were given the opportunity to run the ball and there was some superb handling in difficult conditions. 
Photo by Igor Kupco
Dover threatened Cobham's line on numerous occasions but they were simply unable to put the necessary points on the board.
Photo by Ian Shilson
Cobham weathered the storm and had a handful of useful chances themselves with the hosts having to supply some stern defence, with Lee Tonks again at the helm making some stunning hits.
Photo by Igor Kupco
The best two chances of the half were Dover's and the overlaps created were surprisingly not taken and golden opportunities were unfortunately lost.
Photo by Igor Kupco
On one of his powerful runs, winger Ricky Mackintosh
Photo by Igor Kupco
produced a handoff sending the visitors open side into orbit and the roar from the crowd showed its approval. One unnamed Dover player was to receive something similar in return receiving a similar response from his own supporters!
There were few penalties conceded from either side, which always makes for a better contest and Mr Bowers should be congratulated for allowing a free flowing game to take place. At half time and with the slope in their favour Dover obviously thought that they had an excellent chance to win the game.
The second half was played in similar vein and once again the game was again dominated by the hosts with a number of rousing attacks. Time after time Cobham repelled the thrust. 
Photo by Ian Shilson
Phase after phase Dover battled and all their efforts were negated by some heroic defending. Cobham were resilient and continued to clear their lines continuing to frustrate the efforts of Dover and keeping the crowd on a knife-edge. 
Photo by Igor Kupco
Dover's back line were seeing an abundance of the ball and in particular young left winger Jamie Phillips, had an outstanding day, both in defence and attack.
Photo by Ian Shilson
His use of the ball, both in hand and with the boot, was excellent and he had a faultless afternoon. For the forwards Dale Tonks is learning his trade at 8 and once again he produced a telling performance, with some clean breaks off the base and some excellent handling skills when Dover were feeling the pinch under the pressure of the visitors pack. Young and inexperienced prop Arron Cooper took to the field, as a replacement, and once again he showed a maturity and strength that will very soon pose a serious threat to his peers for a starting place. 
Photo by Igor Kupco
David Sluman's confidence and energy grows each work and he is returning to the excellent form that he had prior to his career threatening injury some few years ago and his partner in crime Dan Robinson, worked like a Trojan, even after receiving the second best cheer of the game!
Dover's pressure in the last 20 minutes saw them stuck in Cobham's 22 for long periods of time but there were no points scored at the close of play; although Martyn Beaumont narrowly missed one penalty late in the game. Both teams congratulated each other and there was much debate in the club house as to why not one single point had been scored, a score line that no one would have predicted prior to kick off. This was a great advert for the game of rugby and Dover, although disappointed having not won, were grateful for the point.
Senior Coach Graham Tonks commented 'We have come a long way in a short time and the confidence is growing week on week. This was a fantastic effort by my lads and I am proud of the way that we battled to the end. Cobham are possibly the best side we have faced, since I started coaching these boys and I was delighted with the positive feed back from our opponents. Their defence can only be described as fantastic. The point today was massive for us and we must continue our hard work away at Tunbridge Wells next week'.
Team: Lucas (Cooper), Tomlinson, Moore, Robison, Sluman, Vick, Foster, Tonks D, Murray, Beaumont, Tonks L, Sedgwick, Mackintosh, Phillips, Townley - Subs not used Hayward and Charge.
Report by: Richard Collins
Photos by Igor Kupco (as annotated)
(All Prints available for all Igor Photos contact him directly on 07731787485)
Photos by Ian Shilson (as annotated)
