Dover 1st XV (45) v (34) Old Dunstonians
Played 27th October 2007
Dover needed a good confidence boosting victory to put them back on
track after last week’s disappointment. Old Dunstonians were
the league leaders having been unbeaten in their previous six outings
and the contest would certainly be a test to the Dover side that were
eager to make amends for their poor performance last week.
The playing conditions were perfect and Dover was supported by a fine
crowd; a number of which were team and individual player sponsors,
some of whom had made their fist visit to Crabble. The game started
in a frenzied pace with the Sharks kicking up hill. The first quarter
was all Dover with three tries being scored with some scintillating
rugby by the hosts with Old D’s outside half kicking a penalty
in reply. The tackling was fierce, the intensity was massive and Dover’s
three quarters ripped through Old D’s back line. Jamie Townley
scored the first,
Jon Foster the second 
with
Ricky Mackintosh touching down for the third. Martyn Beaumont slotted
all three conversions.
The pace was electric and the forwards were providing the platform
for the backs to perform at the standard accustomed to Dover in recent
years. 
Unfortunately Dover lapsed into a dazed state and the second
quarter saw a resurgent Old D’s bringing the game back into contention.
Dover were subjected to some excellent Old D’s play with two
converted tries and a drop goal being scored leaving the hosts with
a one point advantage going into the second half. Dover’s discipline
had improved and there can be no complaints for the effort showed by
each and every player on the park.
With the advantage of the slope in the second half Dover needed a quick
score to gather the momentum and take the game to the visitors. 
That’s
exactly what happened and following a concerted effort by Dover’s
forwards Beaumont fed Lee Tonks on the miss pass and he sliced through
the back line to touch down and the conversion followed. Unfortunately
the jubilation was short lived and Old D’s responded in typical
fashion to score from a lineout situation with the conversion. There
was very little between both sides and there were some brave performances
on show. Dover’s front five were working tirelessly and their
back row was performing to its usual high standard. There were numerous
errors from both sides which clearly outlined the pressure being exerted
by both teams. The defence from both teams was immense and this game
was enthralling for all to watch. Beaumont kicked a penalty to increase
the score and Jon Foster scored his second try following some superb
ball retention from the backs following once again a superb effort
by the Sharks forwards.. The killer punch came direct from the kick
off when Dover secured the ball broke through several tackles and Ricky
Mackintosh scored under the posts to take the game beyond reach. 
Beaumont
kicked both. Old D’s response was to return back to the Dover
half and following some extensive pressure they touched down to narrow
the gap. Dover held on at the end with some stubborn resistance and
on the final whistle most persons present would agree that this game
was one of the most exciting and enjoyable contests seen at Crabble
for many a year. Both sides should be commended for a good hard and
clean contest and the referee Mr Gibson must be thanked for his contribution
to the game. Dover remain in fourth place in the league following this
victory and this and other results have shown that there is very little
to separate the vast majority of the teams in this league. Dover travel
to Old Elthamians next Saturday for another exciting contest.
Team; Kimble, Savage, Hewer, Tonks D, Robinson, Collins, Foster, Surendorff, Murray, Beaumont, Tonks L, Townley, Mackintosh, Charge, Sedgwick, Davison, May.
Report by: Richard Collins
pictures by Ian Shilson
"Here a some photos from the Old Dunstonians game.
I would like to say thanks from me and my wife for your hospitality
before and after the game.
It was a great game to watch and also an excellent result.
Thanks again
Ian Shilson."
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