Tunbridge Wells (22) v (22) Dover 1st XV
Played 21st February 2009
After the recent run of good home form Dover were hopeful of clinching two points, however they were rarely at their best in this error riddled game and the points were finally shared between the two sides. Dover started well with the slope in their favour and the pitch and conditions were perfect for fast running rugby.
In the opening 10 minutes Dover pressurised the hosts, who were soon being penalised for constant infringements. Two penalty attempts were missed by the visitors and opportunities lost.
On the 17th minute, winger Mike O'Donnell, making his league debut for Dover, broke down the flank and a clever chip forward saw Dover turning over the ball which was spread wide
with Martyn Beaumont taking the ball on the loop and finding the gap to take a well taken try. 
The conversion was missed. One might have thought this was the start of things to come but that was soon put to bed when Dover lost possession of the ball two minutes later, just inside their own half, and the Wells punished the error with an excellent try, with the extras added. Shortly after the restart Dover were penalised and a quick tap again caught Dover on the hop and the second try was scored. 
Dover had a number of good scoring opportunities but their own basic errors and poor handling on the 50/50 ball prevented any real chance of that. The forwards were having the better of the contest and the platform was solid from the set possession but Dover were unable to penetrate and use the ball to full effect. A further penalty attempt was also missed before Beaumont slotted one, after the Wells open side was binned for continued ball killing. Wells third try was scored just before the interval after the visitors were again turned over on the half way line. 
The ball was moved swiftly across the Wells back line with the overlap created and another fine finish followed, with the conversion to follow. Dover were too frantic and some ill discipline had cost them dearly in this miserable opening.
It was important for Dover to hit back early in the second half if they were to have any chance of recovering and their response was positive; particularly following a stern lecture from their coach Graham Tonks. Within minutes Dover were awarded a penalty that was again missed but thankfully the pressure was continued and prop Shane Moore appeared in the line and crashed through to touch down with Beaumont converting.
Dover piled on the pressure and again the penalty count was increasing from the Wells, which frustrated the visitor's play and the warning of a second yellow card, came to nothing. 
The visitors were left on numerous occasions seeking some direction from the referee, who seemed to have no concept whatsoever of the breakdown situation and his decision making and management throughout the game was considered by many to be disappointing.
Dover took the lead from a 5 metre scrum with new signing Ben Vick taking the ball off the base, powering his way forward and with his out stretched hand touched down for a well taken try. 
The extras were added. Dover should have been more clinical at this time but credit to the Wells who defended well and on the counter they again looked impressive moving the ball quickly wide leaving Dover to dig deep. Jon Foster thought he had touched down and a number of opportunities were lost with far too much Dover ball being turned over. Dover then found themselves under the cosh and they were now being penalised for a number of infringements with Wells having the chance to clinch the game. Some stern defence stopped the try being scored and Dover were awarded a penalty with 10 seconds left on the clock. They naively lost possession and Wells again pressurised and kicked a penalty on the final whistle. Ultimately neither side could seal the deal. This was not a spectacle by any means and Dover have no one to blame other than themselves for not securing two points; the hosts might well consider they were unlucky in the final analysis. Dover moves to 6th position in the league following the other results.
Graham Tonks commented 'We had a lot of possession today but we failed to take advantage of a hatful of opportunities and at this level you can't expect to win. We made far too many errors throughout and Tunbridge Wells punished us severely. Several of my players didn't perform to their potential and on the whole we were disappointing. I was delighted with the performances of the new boys Ben Vick and Mike O'Donnell who are already expressing themselves both on and off the park'.
Dover travel to Beccehamiens next week in the Kent Cup.
Team,
Cooper (Stanley), Tomlinson, Moore, Tonks D, Sluman, Collins, Foster, Vick, Murray, Beaumont, Tonks L, Townley, O'Donnell (Charge), Phillips, Dean - Sub -Savage not used.
Report by: Richard Collins
Photos by Ian Shilson (as annotated)
