Dover 1st XV (31) v (19) Winchester
Played 8th December 2007
Dover progressed to the next round of the EDF Senior Vase with a strong
performance against a well organised Winchester team. The conditions
were atrocious and both teams should be congratulated for their efforts
in what was an extremely difficult game for anyone to play in. The
supporters from both clubs should also receive some thanks for remaining
on the sidelines throughout the game.
Winchester had the advantage of the slope and the wind in the first
half and they would have been desperate to notch up a 20 points lead
if they were going to win the contest. The early play was in the visitors
favour and their bulky forwards were causing havoc in Dover’s
22. The defence was strong but it was eventually breached and Winchester’s
forwards drove over to open their account, although the conversion
was missed. Dover responded well and Ricky Stanley’s pack drove
up the hill and their pick and go was again working well. 
A superb
break by the three quarters saw centre Lee Tonks put into space and
he darted the distance to touch down with Martyn Beaumont doing the
honours with the conversion. 
Winchester again piled on the pressure
and they took the lead with a drop goal. 
Ben Murray was sin binned
for a professional foul and there was more problems to follow when
Dover were dealt a cruel blow with Ed Close leaving the field, following
an accidental clash with an opponent, with a serious injury to the
mouth. A mouth guard may well have come in handy on this occasion?
In the confusion Dover had only 13 players on the field and a clever
kick to the corner saw Winchester increase their lead with the winger
sprinting through to touch down. Jon Foster returned after 6 weeks
out through injury and he settled into his old position at full back.
With a lead of only 6 points Winchester would need a near miracle in
view of the elements that were worsening as the game continued.
Dover started the half strongly and lock Dale Tonks scored a well worked
try from a solid forwards platform, which Beaumont converted. For the
next 15 minutes Dover increased the pressure and Ben Murray was next
on the score sheet following a superb passage of play between him and
Jamie Townley. 
The conversion followed. With the pitch deteriorating
it was at times difficult for either team to get a firm footing. The
visitors were defending well and their efforts were dented when outside
centre Jamie Townley was put into space and he touched down in the
bottom right corner. With only 20 minutes left Dover were in control
and cruising to victory. However Winchester mounted a massive response
and their forwards in particular were excellent putting Dover under
some intense pressure. Dover’s defence was superb and Jim Byrne,
Trig Davison and Gus Surendorff’s work rate was inspiring. The
pick of the forwards was Danny Robinson whose efforts, in both defence
and attack was superb. Winchester continued their onslaught and the
outside half touched down for a well deserved try. Fortunately for
Dover the kick struck the upright. With 12 minutes remaining Dover
needed another score to kill the game and that came with only a few
minutes on the clock courtesy of winger Ricky Mackintosh whose power
and pace saw him touch down in the corner. Winchester’s journey
was a 300 mile round trip and they should be complimented for their
commitment.
Dover now progress to the next round of the cup with Gravesend being
the only other Kent club remaining in the competition.
Dover meat the Deal Lions at Crabble in their final league game before
the Christmas break.
Team; Moore, Savage, Stanley, Tonks D, Robinson, Byrne, Davison, Surendorff, Murray, Beaumont, Tonks L, Townley, Sedgwick, Mackintosh, Close, Hewer, Denning, Foster.
Report by: Richard Collins
pictures by Ian Shilson
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