Thanet U13s (36) v (5) Dover U13s
Played 02/11/2008
Dover RFC U13 Sharks traveled to Thanet this weekend with the minimum of 15 players to take on a 27 strong team. The match started at pace with passion from both sides and it was a great move from Dover that set the stage for the first score of the game. From a strong Dover scrum inside the Thanet half, scrum half Harry Moore set off on a surging run creating space in the centre for fly half George Smith to change direction and come through at great pace from deep on the inside. Moore was again on hand to switch back to the outside with Frazer Shields, showing great pace from deep and sprinted into the attack to take the final pass and touch down in the corner. First try of the season for Shields and more importantly putting Dover in front with a 5-0 lead, conversion on target but just short of the bar. The entire first half saw a very even battle with few mistakes from both sides and Dover looking the stronger especially in the forwards who dominated the scrums and early rucking. It was Thanet who then stepped up the pace to score a well worked try in the corner despite some great last ditched defending by young Smith. No conversion so 5-5 at the break. Young Finley showed great grit to continue with a nasty studding down his leg and great work by flankers Kieron Hopper and Matt Ribbans who proved excellent at disrupting the oppositions flow.
The second half was always going to be tough for the visitors with no subs and a few knocks here and there. Dover again started strongly with more great forwards play, still proving very strong in the scrums as they had all morning. But it was the fresh legs of Thanet that started to turn the screw with a quick break and good hands seeing the home side stretch out a lead of 12-5. Some good breaks from Dover unfortunately faulted early on and the rucks and mauls slowed. It was from this point on that Dover began to loose their way, final Score 36 -5. More fitness training needs to be integrated into training in the coming weeks leading up to the Match against Canterbury in the East Kent Cup. Thanet must be commended for hosting us on this surprisingly fine morning given the local floods and unbelievable conditions witnessed at the Dover 1st XV match the day before.
Team: Robin Jenkins,Matt Saunders, Josh Glew, Angus Killin,
Joe Cooper, Kieron Hopper, Matt Ribbans, Harry Moore, George Smith, Finley
McMunn,
Derren Russel, Brandon Forrest,Fraser Shields,Tyler Walledge. (sick note
Kallum Allen)
I am always looking for new players to strengthen the U13s squad particularly in readiness for this years tour. Anyone wishing to try out for the U13s team should contact me directly or simply turn up for training at crabble on Thursday nights between 18:15 and 20:00. Sunday training either at Crabble or Kearsney 10:00 - 12:00
Report by: Andy Allen
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13s Home Page
