Lewes (3) v (12) Dover 1st XV
Played 24/11/2007
A minutes silence took place before kick off in memory of Nick Lorimer,
who died suddenly last weekend at the age of only 65. Nick, a former
player, was one of Dover’s 1st XV regular supporters and he would
support and contribute in everything that took place with the team.
On behalf of the 1st XV and Dover Rugby Club I would like to extend
our condolences to his family and Nick’s presence and friendship
will be sadly missed by all at Crabble.
The game itself was unfortunately uninspiring although Dover will be
thankful for the two points. Lewes have had a poor start to their campaign
having been relegated last season. They were obviously looking for
a kick start and had they had a little more luck Dover’s scalp
might have been taken. Dover played the first half against the wind
in awkward conditions and it was paramount that they consolidated their
position. The half was littered with basic errors and scrappy play
from both teams. Ed Close was superb at the back and his balance and
presence stood out all game. After 16 minutes following a useful forward
drive Ben Murray broke blind and made good distance into the Lewes
half. 
The lineout was won by Dover and inside centre Lee Tonks cut
a great line and his pass led to Martyn Beaumont touching down to open
the score. The conversion was surprisingly missed. Dover should have
been more ruthless and some decent work came to nothing. Lewes looked
dangerous on the counter attack and Dover’s defence was again
solid. Phil Tongue, a signing from Snowdown and James O’Dell
made their debuts and their contribution paid dividends in this contest.
In the closing minutes of the half Lewes were forcing the pressure
upon the visitors and only some desperate defence and turn over ball
managed to keep the hosts from scoring.
The second half should have been much easier for Dover. Gus Surendorff
and Dale Tonks had the better of the lineouts and with the possession
won and the conditions in their favour Dover should have capitalised
better. The second try came from another mistake on Lewes’s lineout.
Murray stole the ball at the back. Trigger Davison took the pass and
he fed Lee Tonks who scored a fine try to cap his best performance
of the season.
Beaumont converted. The last quarter of the game saw
a resurgent Lewes and a number of excellent breaks thankfully came
to nothing. Dover’s defence remained solid and Ricky Mackintosh
and Surendorff’s efforts in particular are worthy of mention.
Lewes kicked a penalty to reduce the score but they were unable to
breach the Shark’s any further. Dover had showed flashes of what
they are capable of but indiscipline, indecision and a lack lustre
display by certain individuals could have cost them dearly in this
less than conclusive display. Dover now move to third place in the
league and face Tonbridge Juddians at Crabble next week in a game that
they must win if they are to remain in contention at the top of the
table.
Team; Moore, Savage, Stanley, Robinso, Tonks D, Davison, Byrne, Surendorff, Murray, Beaumont, Tonks L, Tongue, Mackintosh, O’Dell, Close, Lucas, Dean, May.
Report by: Richard Collins
pictures by Ian Shilson
back to 1st XV Home Page
