Maidstone Vets XV (7) v (33) Dover Vets XV
Played on 25th October 2008
Dover 4th fine form of recent weeks was not repeated for this vets fixture with both teams playing way below par. Dover started the stronger, taking advantage of some missed tackles in the centre of Maidstone's defence. After ten minutes, the first scrum was awarded to Dover just outside Maidstone's 22 and although being pushed backwards, Pellet at No8 was able to pick up to take advantage of the large blindside. With the defence committed Pellet offloaded to Dean for the easiest of touchdowns. Dover extended their lead to 12 points from a well worked backrow move for Howard to cross the line. Thereafter, Dover relaxed and some basic errors crept into their game which allowed Maidstone to get back into the match. Having reduced Dover's lead to 12 - 7, Dover were fortunate on the stroke of half-time when from a fly hack a Maidstone player was unable to gather the ball with the line begging.
The second half proved to be a scrappy affair, but Dover probably just played the better rugby to score three more tries, a brace for Gaughran and one for Pellet. Although not vintage rugby, it was good to record a win over a team who have always proved very competitive in the past.
Report by: Jason Wall
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