Thanet 1st XV (19) v (19) Dover 1st XV
Played 19th September 2009
Following last weeks destruction of Maidstone it was anticipated that Dover would approach this local derby with some confidence. Unfortunately that was not the case, Dover underperformed and the quality of rugby on display was disappointing and any neutral supporter would have been long gone before the final whistle was blown.
Dover had the advantage of the slope in the first half and although they had the better of the territory for long periods they lacked composure hurried their play and for some unknown reason were unable to do the basics competently. Simple handling errors were abundant and frustration was rapidly creeping in. Dover took the lead in the 19th minute after scrum half Ben Murray had harassed his opposite number. The visitors turned over the ball and with the ball spread wide to left winger Mark Beaumont to crash over on his return to Dover following a two year stint with Aylesford. It was a welcome return for this popular player and his strength in defence was on display throughout the game. Thanet battled throughout, they caused mayhem and intimidated Dover’s poor front 5 and following a number of penalties awarded in their favour they reduced the deficit with a penalty.
The opening of the second half was undoubtedly Dover’s best period of play and they were actually putting a number of phases together. Thanet however took the lead from a penalty but Dover were soon ahead with their second try. Justin Marx and Ricky Mackintosh attacked from deep in their own half with the latter making some 50 yards up field. Although the ball was lost flanker Buster Collins soon turned the ball over allowing Dover to break down the left wing. Martyn Beaumont raced away and an inside pass to the supporting centre Lee Tonks created the space for a fine touch down with Blair Charge adding the extras. Dover then again pressed and was mounting the pressure deep in the hosts half when Thanet were provided with an early Christmas present. A lethargic pass in midfield was intercepted with the speedy back running some 75 yards to touch down under the posts, the extras followed. Thanet were kicking well tactically into the bottom corner and Dover were being forced to dig deep. Another interception by Thanet followed that very nearly punished Dover. The visitors rallied with Marx making some telling runs from deep. Dover again took the lead after Dale Tonks collected at the base of the scrum and the ball was spread wide on the blind to Martyn Beaumont on the half way line. He made a clean break cutting inside before offloading to Mackintosh who scored with Charge converting. Dover lost two influential players in Marx and Collins through injury and for the best part of the last 25 minutes was left fighting for their lives in their own half. Dover lacked direction and were becoming increasingly frustrated over the decisions, particularly in the tackle area. Substitute prop Chris Lucas made a huge impact when he came on and the evergreen Gus Surendorff was prominent when he took to the field, leading the way for the first time during the afternoon with his ball carrying. Jon Foster at open side is also worthy of mention. Young Sam McPherson came off the bench for his debut and although playing out of position he looked comfortable at full back. Dover were consistently penalised and the Thanet full back slotted a further two penalties to reduce the deficit to 3 points. The last few minutes were anxious times for the Dover supporters, who might have had a more enjoyable afternoon watching the Emmerdale Omnibus at home. Another penalty in injury time levelled the scores and Dover just about hung on to the draw. Some will say they were fortunate to have won the point in this hugely disappointing display. Dover face Old Colfeians at Crabble on Saturday and there must be a vast improvement if they are to compete against the London side.
Team; Bartley, Tomlinson, Stanley (Lucas), Sluman, Robinson, Collins (Surendorff), Foster, Tonks D, Murray, Beaumont Martyn, Beaumont Mark, Charge, Tonks L, Mackintosh, Marx (McPherson).
Photos By Ian Shilston
Report by: Richard Collins
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