Dover 2nd XV (13) v (19) Maidstone 2nd XV
Played 15th November 2008
The two sides contesting this match had had differing times of late. Maidstone had posted 80 points on the board the previous week, whilst Dover had conceded 70 in their last league game. Nevertheless this proved to be a very evenly matched game, and the result was in the balance up until the last minute.
Dover started nervously and conceded a try 5 minutes into the first half when Maidstone spread the ball wide after a lineout in the Dover 22. Dover recovered though and a penalty from Marsh brought the scores to 7-3 at half time. Much of the game was an arm wrestle between the two sides, with neither team able to take complete control.
Maidstone proved the stronger mentally, however, and scored two tries in the second half.
Dover did try and pull it back against a very tough defence. Debutant Mick O’Donnell scored a scorching solo try and Mike Marsh added 5 more laser-guided points to bring Dover within striking distance of the lead.
In the last 10 minutes of the match, Dover scrambled desperately to score and take the win but they spurned golden opportunities through loose play in critical situations. The chances were there, but ultimately Maidstone held on and took a deserved win.
Coughlan, Morton, Mercer, O’Donnell, Kamara, Marsh, Denning,
Hayes, May, Stanley Cattermole, Gill, Cherrington (Jacobs), Cooper,
Landman, Matcham.
Report by: Charlie Denning
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