Dover 2nd XV (44) v (12) Sidcup 2nd XV
Played 17th January 2009
With their two previous fixtures affected by the weather, the 2’s were relieved to find sunshine and firm ground last Saturday. Sidcup were of a similar standing to Dover and their league positions reflected this. Sidcup could’ve overtaken Dover with a win at Crabble.
A win at Crabble against the Dover 2nd XV is a great rarity, however, and this result highlighted Dover’s stubborn streak.
The first half started brilliantly for Dover. The forwards fired immediately and smashed through the shell-shocked Sidcup pack. The opening pressure surprised the visitors and their mistakes led to penalties and Mike Marsh kicked two goals. Shortly after this a huge overlap allowed Denning to dummy his way in for a try. The rest of the first half was a frustration for Dover as Sidcup woke up and started to play. Dover were unable to regain their earlier form.
The second half and Dover were going downhill but they still stuttered and failed to find fluidity. Two tries were scored by Jamie Phillips and one by Haywood and Marsh, this covered up the turgid nature of the performance as a whole. Frequent injuries to the Dover side didn’t help either. All substitutes were used and Dover were effectively reduced to 14 men as captain Matcham was reduced to a hobbling wreck by cramp.
So, three more points for Dover 2nd XV. The search for a better performance, however, should continue.
Dover: Dean, Mercer (Morton), Landman, Phillips, Coughlan, Marsh, Denning, Hayes, Gaughran (Chambers), Stanley, Gill, Robinson, Matcham, Meredith (May), Haywood.
Report by: Charlie Denning
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