Blackheath (60) v (17) Dover 1st XV
Played 21st March 2009
Dover crashed out of the quarter final of the Kent Cup following a second half pasting from the ‘Club’s’ second string side. Questions must be asked as to the necessity of competing in this competition as a result of the difficulties encountered in trying to raise a team for this ‘Mother’s Day fixture’ with no less than ten first team players who were unavailable through injury, family commitments or a lack of general interest.
What I can say is that those players, who made themselves available, together with the support of the faithful that travelled, showed a true spirit that kept Dover in this contest for the opening 50 minutes. Blackheath are a well organised, professional squad with an abundance of talent and for 35 minutes Dover actually had their noses in front. At half time the score was only 20 points to 17 in the hosts favour.
The second half was very much different with the home side dominating in possession and their general control of the game paid dividends with the flood gates opening and points being scored at a fast rate of knots.
Billy Plews, Darryl Meredith, James Morton, Ali Charge, Sam McNamara and the veteran and past Club Captain, Colin Claw, who realised his ambition in playing second row and thus having played in every position for the first team, did their utmost for the cause and they should be congratulated for their individual efforts in difficult circumstances
Blackheath deserved their victory and Dover wish them well in the semi final. Dover face Beckenham in a league fixture at Crabble on Saturday.
Report by: Richard Collins
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