Dover (10) v (10) Aylesford 1st XV
Played 8th March 2008
Dover salvaged a point from this contest, which now assures them of
at least second spot in their first season in London 3. Gravesend continued
their winning form and they now have a two point cushion at the top,
however there are two games left and they still have the Deal Lions
to face on their last game of the season.
This was always going to be a tough game for Dover with the knowledge
that the Bulls have strengthened their squad with the signing of a
number of quality players from Canterbury and Lordswood. Dover had
already beaten the visitors in the cup and league in the first half
of the campaign and the Bulls were playing for there pride in what
to them must be classed as a hugely disappointing season.
Dover started well in the opening minutes and the pack showed immense
courage against a much heavier opponent. On seven minutes the Bulls
were awarded a relatively easy penalty, which thankfully the usual
sound boot of the full back missed. His nightmare continued throughout
the game and remarkably not one point was scored from the boot by either
team.
Dover weathered the storm in the first 20 minutes with some excellent
defence and the Bulls were creating the better opportunities. Another
penalty was missed by the Bulls, however on 31 minutes; the hefty inside
centre broke through the Dover midfield and the full back, made some
amends by being on hand and touching down for a well deserved score.
A number of basic errors were made throughout the half by the hosts
and in the closing minutes Dover won their put in 15 metres from their
goal line. Unfortunately a knock on saw the advantage lost and the
Bulls took their opportunity from the resulting scrum and scored a
try to increase the lead.
The second half saw a much needed improvement by Dover although they
never showed their true colours during the game. Much needed possession
from the lineouts was often lost and numerous tackles were missed.
Credit to the Sharks forwards must be given as their overall performance
was excellent, particularly in their scrummaging. The front three in
Shane Moore, Jon Foster and Greg Hewer was solid, with the second row
partnership of Dale Tonks and Danny Robinson continuing their outstanding
partnership. The back row combination of Trigger Davison, Gus Surendorff
and Buster Collins nullified the threat of their counterparts and their
efforts across the park greatly contributed to Dover clawing their
way back into this game. The Bulls were becoming frustrated as their
opportunities were dwindling away and Dover taking the game back to
them.
With only 20 minutes remaining the signs were ominous for Dover
and with the rain falling and the ground worsening Aylesford looked
in a fairly comfortable position. Inside half Ben Murray was kicking
well deep into the Bulls half exploiting territory. Kirk Savage came
on at hooker with Foster moving to open side and Chris Lucas replacing
Hewer. 
The fresh legs seemed to have an immediate effect and Dover
responded in a confident and positive manner. 
On 72 minutes Dover increased
the pressure on the Bulls deep into the visitors half and a number
of penalties followed in their favour. Their hard work was rewarded
when Murray broke blind passed to Collins and Surendorff was fed the
ball and he crashed over to reduce the deficit. 
Aylesford came straight
back and another penalty was missed dropping short. Deep into injury
time Dover were still working hard and were awarded a penalty that
was wisely kicked for a lineout 15 metres from the Bulls try line.
The ball was secured and fed to Ben Sedgwick and a pass to Ricky Mackintosh,
who had taken a superb line, saw him blast through a gaping gap in
the Bulls midfield and full back 
Ed
Close was on hand to take the pass and score a fantastic last gasp
try, which has kept Dover’s promotion
hopes alive. The game concluded with the hosts giving a sigh of relief
in a game that they know the Bulls should have won.
Dover now have a one week break before travelling to Tonbridge Juddians
for their penultimate league game.
Team; Moore, Foster, Hewer, Tonks D, Robinson, Collins, Davison, Surendorff,
Murray, Sedgwick, Tonks L, Townley, Phillips, Mackintosh, Close, Lucas,
Savage, Marsh.
Report by: Richard Collins
pictures by Ian Shilson
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