Old Mid-Whitgiftians (16) v (38) Dover 1st XV
Dover’s good form continued with a comfortable win over the South Croydon based Old Mids. The opening 8 minutes was a nightmare for Dover as they conceded 7 penalties, two of which were converted by the home sides able outside half. Frustration was rife and Dover were on the back foot having to dig deep to prevent Old Mids from scoring further and more disruption followed when Foz Foster was sin binned for another indiscretion. Dover soaked up the pressure and their first score came in the 18th minute. Ed Close fed Jamie Townley for a quick lineout from within Dover’s half. A superb run up the right flank caught Mids unawares with Lee Tonks taking the pass behind his back and he juggled the ball for 20 metres before he was able to supply Ben Sedgwick with the easy opportunity to touch down under the posts. Martyn Beaumont converted. Old Mids responded and yet from another penalty they took the lead. A wake up call was given and Dover responded in typical style. The forwards were scrummaging well and were reaping the benefits of turn over ball in open play. Second row Dan Robinson continued his run of good form with a good performance, particularly with his ball handling. Beaumont capitalised on some excellent forward play and he waltzed his way through the back line to touch down and convert. From hereon Dover’s confidence increased and just prior to half time inside half Ben Murray broke from a maul and ran 20 metres on the blind to touch down which was again converted.The second half opened with an immediate score by Dover. A lineout was won in the Mids half and the ball was spread through numerous hands for Sedgwick to touch down in the bottom corner. Unfortunately the fluidity of the game didn’t favour the visitors. Although lineout ball was being won and hooker Kirk Savage took a number of strikes against the head Dover were constantly penalised throughout the contest, which certainly curtailed their fast moving game plan. The consistency of the official’s decision making was of great debate both during and after the game and although there was never any doubt of the final outcome one can fully understand why exasperation sets in. Further pressure was placed on the home side and a strike against the head on the 5 metre line saw Gus Surendorff break from the base and crash over the line and the conversion followed. Credit must be given to Old Mids whose response was spirited. Some strong running by their left wing, full back and 8 was inspiring and Dover’s defence was tested to the hilt. Dover did respond on the counter and their final try was the best of the day with some excellent handling along the back line with Sedgwick touching down to grab his third. Old Mid’s come back and in the 86th minute they scored a well earned try which was converted.
This was an excellent win which now puts Dover in a healthy position in the league. It is important that the focus must be on consolidating our status in the league and nothing more at this early stage of the season. The defence against a much larger team was immense and was instrumental in the result but yet again the high penalty count and indiscipline needs to be addressed as it will cost Dover dearly against stronger opposition.
Team; Moore, Savage, Stanley, Robinson, Tonks D, Collins, Foster, Surendorff,
Murray, Beaumont, Tonks L, Townley, Sedgwick, Charge, Close, Lucas, Kimble,
May.
Report by: Richard Collins
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