Dover 1st XV (13) v (0) Sidcup 1st XV
Played 7th March 2009
The 1st XV sponsors, their guests and other club members, numbering nearly 90, were provided with a superb luncheon, courtesy of John Mercer, prior to this contest as a measure of the team’s gratitude for the support received during the season. Unfortunately the rugby that followed was not to of the same quality as the free flowing game that has been on display in recent months but more of a battle of attrition that Dover eventually came through following a dogged performance by the home side.
Sidcup chose to play up the slope in the first half and from the outset it was apparent that their hefty forwards intention was to disrupt the hosts in a physical manner; which in the end would be their downfall. The first 15 minutes of the game was scrappy with Dover lacking any real composure and Mick O’Donnell left the field with a hamstring injury to make matters worse. A string of penalties against Dover saw the threat of a yellow card beckoning but worse was to follow when Dover were awarded a penalty and prop Ricky Stanley stupidly retaliated after being punched and was quite rightly shown a red card for an act of violent conduct that simply cannot be condoned. Prop Aaron Cooper replaced Dave Sluman and Dover’s 7 man pack had the remaining 53 minutes to play. Both scrum half’s were then sin binned, which Dover thought a little harsh, after the little Sidcup 9 had left the field of play to assist his 6’5” mate, who for some reason found it necessary to keep hold of the ‘gigantic’ Ben Murray. From hereon however, Dover became far more disciplined and the forwards produced a performance that was to provide the platform to win the game. Dover lost a number of set pieces and the visitor’s lineout was solid however they were unable to make any further progress following some superb spoiling and defence by the hosts. Dover took the lead on the 37th minute. Dover lost their lineout but quickly turned over possession and Martyn Beaumont collected a loose ball in midfield and a gap opened for him to run the 20 metres to touch down with Blair Charge adding the extras. Dover continued with the pressure and a superb cross kick to Ricky Mackintosh almost saw him touch down.
The second half saw the advantage change and Dover had a real battle on their hands if they were to retain their lead. Apart from one real try scoring opportunity Sidcup failed to capitalise and were unable to create anything to really threaten Dover. Dover’s two man back row of Jon Foster and Buster Collins were immense, with lock’s Ben Vick and Dale Tonks working tirelessly in support. Up front was difficult but Shane Moore, Jack Tomlinson and Cooper kept solid and although Dover would have a number of scrums turned, at the ruck and breakdown area they were certainly more than a match for the opposition. Inside half Ben Murray, having taken a nasty blow to his face, was marshalling his forwards well and getting the better at the base of Sidcup’s scrum. Dover pressurised Sidcup and the penalty count against the visitors was increasing rapidly and it was a surprise that a yellow card wasn’t produced. Sidcup’s kicking game was below par and Charge was safe in clearing, ably supported by Stuart Dean. Ricky Mackintosh collected a number of high balls and was like a battering ram as he moved forward and he was again unlucky not to score. Full back Blair Charge struck the post from a long range penalty but made amends later with two successful penalties to complete a very competent display.
At the final whistle Dover were delighted not only take the points but to keep a clean sheet in such difficult circumstances.
Senior Coach Graham Tonks was pleased with the result, he commented; ‘My forwards were superb today and they put their bodies on the line, in difficult circumstances, refusing to be bullied by a more than physical pack. The defence from the backs was excellent and the clean sheet was testament to the team’s efforts. We’ve had a good day both on and off the park’.
Dover now moves to 5th place in the league and they travel to Old Colf’s next week.
Team; Moore, Tomlinson, Stanley, Sluman (Cooper), Tonks D, Collins, Foster, Vick, Murray, Beaumont, Tonks L, O’Donnell (Townley), Dean, Mackintosh, Charge – Sub not used Robinson.
Report by: Richard Collins
Photos by Ian Shilson (as annotated)
