Dover 1st XV (49) v (5) Tonbridge Juddians
Played 1st December 2007
Dover produced an excellent performance in the presence of 60 Vice
Presidents who braved the weather to witness a feast of 9 tries. TJ’s
have played at a level well above Dover for many years and the foundations
that have been built at Crabble in recent times provides some measurement
of the success particularly when Dover are now beating teams of this
stature. Following Lordswood’s defeat Dover now move into second
place on level pegging with Deal Lions.
TJ’s started the opening minutes with a strong determination
and Dover were initially struggling with their ball retention. The
storm was weathered and after nine minutes Gus Surendorff broke from
a scrum set up the ruck and the ball was spread superbly across the
park with wing Ben Sedgwick being on hand to start the proceedings.
Martyn Beaumont converted. The second try followed after some intense
Dover pressure and the ball was again fed through numerous hands with
full back Ed Close darting over to touch down. 
Dover maintained the
pressure however TJ’s intercepted a pass and the ball was hoofed
downhill resulting in a try being scored. The play for the next 15
minutes or so was fairly even. TJ’s heads didn’t drop however
any possession they had was aggressively defended by Dover. Dover’s
pack was again superb providing the platform for the three’s
to show their worth. 
Open side Jim Byrne was turning a good deal of
ball over and his new lease of life showed exactly what his qualities
are for the team. 
The last try of the half started from a thundering
run from Staggars Stanley which concluded by a touch down from Ricky
Mackintosh.
The weather conditions deteriorated for a while and the pitch became
heavy under foot but credit must be given to both teams for their efforts.
Dover increased their lead after 48 minutes. 
Ben Murray was attacking
his opponent at every opportunity at the scrummage which lead to a
penalty in Dover’s favour. From the resulting lineout on TJ’s
22 the ball was secured and the pack drove the distance with Byrne
on hand to touch down. Shortly after hooker Kirk Savage, who had defended
superbly all game, stole a ball from a tackled TJ’s player and
he provided the perfect pass for Trigger Davison to score. 
Dover were
now in full control and TJ’s were battling valiantly in view
of them being starved of possession. On 60 minutes Dover were awarded
a free kick. A quick tap was taken and Dover’s pick and drive
paid dividends with the ‘miniature’ Ben Sedgwick driving
over for a forwards try. Sedgwick scored his third five minutes later
when Mackintosh joined the line and fed him beautifully in open space.
Beaumont added his second conversion. Stanley was next on the score
sheet when he bulldozed his way over the line from another quick tap.
Charlie Denning came on for Murray and he continued the good work of
the latter. Dover’s discipline was much improved and their confidence
was high. Jamie Townley, thankfully back from a nasty injury, and Lee
Tonks continued their fine partnership in the mid field and their play
both in defence and attack had returned as normal. Dover’s forwards
never stopped working with the donkey boys, Dan Robinson and Dale Tonks
and prop Shane Moore working tirelessly throughout. The last try was
Davison’s second and it started from substitute Greg Hewer’s
hard work. This was a superb team performance played in difficult conditions.
Thanks must be given to Mr Carley who’s officiating was party
to the enjoyment of this contest.
Dover meets Winchester from London SW 3 in the EDF Cup at Crabble on
Saturday kick off at 1400 hours.
Team – Stanley, Savage, Moore, Tonks D, Robinson, Davison, Byrne,
Surendorff, Murray, Beaumont, Tonks L, Townley, Mackintosh, Sedgwick,
Close, Hewer, Denning, Tong.
Report by: Richard Collins
pictures by Ian Shilson
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