Gravesend U16s (8) v (0) Dover U16s
Played 1st February 2008
The rematch with Gravesend was eagerly anticipated by both teams following a Dover win just before Christmas and a healthy arrogance was evident from both teams. Spirits were running high as Gravesend kicked off and began an immediate assault on the Dover defence. The Dover boys put up a now characteristic wall that Gravesend was unable to penetrate for the first 30 minutes of the game.
Captain George Moore’s return from injury was marked with him winning man of the match. He put in a strong performance playing in his familiar number 10 position and a timely pass deep in the Dover half set Number 8 Sam Webb sprinting down the left wing like a gazelle much to the delight of the Dover supporters. Unfortunately Webb was tackled 70 metres later, despite good support from flanker Dan Jagger.
Dover kicker Jack Ayling came on 20 minutes into the game and took on an unfamiliar position of second row and he responded by immediately fighting for possession. Both wingers Ashley Mills and Hamish Jerden kept the cold at bay by getting involved with some impressive tackling.
Despite some good moves, breaking the line and playing some intelligent rugby, Dover let their guard down shortly before half time and Gravesend scored under the posts – they did not convert however and the boys went into half time 5 - 0 down.
During the second half, Dover once more played some well worked moves with the help of Michael Brown moving from centre to full back. A lack of possession started to show until 10 minutes until full time as Gravesend consistently kept the ball in the Dover 22. The pressure paid off for them as they received a penalty in front of the posts giving them a further 3 points.
In the final 5 minutes of the game, Dover, down to 14 men by this stage, came alive and put consistent pressure on Gravesend , despite blizzard conditions. Gravesend however, defended well and denied Dover their much needed points. The game finished in driving snow with a win for Gravesend.
Dover Under 16’s are sponsored by local company Charlton Bodies and meet at Crabble on Wednesday evenings at 6.30pm. All new members are welcome.
Report by: Jill Tipping
back to Under
16s Home Page
