Dover 2nd XV (13) v (10) Sevenoaks 2nd XV
Played 20th December 2008
Crabble played host to a tight and edgy game this weekend, where two teams of similar standing in the Invicta league slugged it out toe-to-toe. Sevenoaks were organized and strong, with good players dotted throughout their team. Dover started the match at the top of the Crabble Ground's hill, playing down for the first half.
This led to two scores early in the game for Dover. Wayne Matcham, enjoying a prolific try-scoring run of late, scored the first. He supported a break from Hayward and showed a balletic grace to round the full back and touch down. Hayward added his own shortly after. He smashed through from 10 yards out, spurning an overlap, to score with a beaming smile.
It was at this juncture that the 'Oaks started to come for Dover. The end of the first half saw Dover scrabbling to cover their tryline. James Morton made a magnificent game-saving tackle in the corner when it looked inevitable that 'Oaks were going over. The second half looked bad for Dover as 'Oaks thundered down the hill. The referee penalised Dover incessently for any slight indiscretion and 'Oaks marched towards the blue line.
One of these penalties resulted in a kick at goal. When it was sliced by the 'Oaks kicker, Dover's relief turned to panic and the ball was dropped near their own line. With great glee and 'Oaks centre took the ball over the line and scored. Five minutes later, another 'Oaks penalty was kicked for 3 points. At 10-10, things were looking omninous for Dover.
However, Dover 2's have a jewel in their crown and Mr Mike Marsh delivered again. Undeterred by previous failed attempts, he nailed the kick that mattered.
It was only a case of holding on. 'Oaks missed a difficult kick near the end to tie the game and Dover held on for a big win.
Report by: Charlie Denning
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