Dover U14s (19) v (14) Gravesend U14s
Played on 22nd February 2009
This was a narrow but deserved win for Dover’s boys against a well-organised and well-supported Gravesend, putting last week’s disappointing loss behind them.
The early mid field skirmishes indicated this would be a close contest until, in 12 minutes Johnstone barged through to touch down following a penalty award, 7-0.
Dover had to defend as G’s turned on the pressure but a decent penalty clearance kick quickly followed by an opportunistic burst from the lineout by Harrison made the score 12-0 to the Sharks in the 19th minute. 
A now confident Dover needed a third score by half time but the visitors soon hit back with a good try under the posts so 12-7 at the break.
Gravesend were clearly lifted by their late score and were dominant in the first 15 minutes of the second half as Dover conceded ground and penalties. Finally Gravesend scored again to lead 12-14 with 15 minutes remaining. 
Dover gradually worked up a head of steam again as they fought to rescue the match; 
Gibbs was unlucky to have a bootlace in touch just before crossing the line. Then still pressing hard Dover’s pack impressively won a Gravesend scrum in front of their posts, 
the ball broke to Johnstone whose arm was just long enough to place the ball over the try line. 
Clark’s conversion made it 19-14 with five minutes left. The referee ended the match two minutes early when sadly one of the Gravesend lads lay prostrate on the ground and was removed in an ambulance.
This was a stirring contest between two closely matched teams played in a good spirit. Dover’s kicking, passing and decision-making was much-improved. Many good performances but man of the match was Sam Gibbs.
Allen C., Allen L. , Bisset , Caldwell , Clark , Crush , Deane , Duffy , Fields , Geoghegan , Gibbs , Harrison (cptn) , Johnstone , Killick-Baker , Latham , Rigden , Saunders , Smith , Tonkin
Report by: Edward Duffy
Photos by Dave Allen
back to Under
14s Home Page
