Dover 4th
XV (53) v (8) Sheppey 3rd XV
Played on 22nd November 2008
Dover fourths provided a powerpacked performance to overcome their
title rivals in bitterly cold conditions at Crabble. In a physical
encounter, the Dover pack stood firm and won the majority of the oppositions
line out ball and caused major disruption to their scrums. Jason Wall
grabbed every throw at the line out whilst props Tanner and Hayes laid
the platform for success with a scrummaging master lesson.
In the early part of the game , Mike Samson made several fine breaks
but the final pass just went astray with the try line in sight. Dovers
forward pressure was finally rewarded with Neil Yarnell barging over.
Sheppey upped their efforts and were rewarded with a try of their own
following some sloppy Dover defence. From the kick off good interplay
by both forwards and backs allowed Gareth Speakman to cross the line,
however a penalty for Sheppey soon reduced Dovers lead. From this point
in the game , Dover started to assert their authority with Charlie
Denning often acting as the catalyst in both attack and defence. Denning,
Gaughran and Bowman all crossed the line following fine handling movements
and so Dover went in at half time leading 31 points to 8.
Dovers momentum continued for the first quarter of the second half
with Neil Yarnell replicating his early first half try and Richard
Walker sprinting clear to score a fine double.To their credit, Sheppey's
abrasive style caused Dover some problems later in the game but their
defence stood firm and it was pleasing to see debutant Grant Dyer score
a try to cap a fine game.Skipper Wall was delighted with all his players
who have shown both tenacity and some skill in their last two encounters.
Report by: Chris
Bowman
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