Tonbridge Juddians (10) v (26) Dover 1st XV
Played 12th April 2008
This was possibly the poorest game Dover has played in recent seasons
and the score line does little to reflect the closeness of this game.
There might be a number of excuses one could try and use but quite
frankly some of the visitors didn’t get out the starting blocks
for this contest. Game plans are set prior to each game and for some
reason individuals didn’t adhere to the plans on this occasion.
Direct from kick off Dover failed to attack the ball and within 2 minutes
TJ’s outside half slotted a well taken drop goal. Dover responded
well and were camped for long periods in the hosts half but basic errors
and suicidal handling were proving costly to them. On the 22nd minute
Dover took the lead with a break in mid field 
and an inside pass to
Ed Close in support saw him sprint through and touch down with Ben
Sedgwick adding the conversion. 
TJ’s responded well and were
eventually awarded with a well worked try providing a multi overlap
to the left wing who touched down and the extras were added. TJ’s
burly lock was possibly their best player with some explosive running
that caused the Dover defence some difficulties and the hosts would
consider themselves more than unlucky not to be further ahead. At half
time there was some strong words of advice from Messrs Tonks and Mercer
that were fortunately taken by a few and thankfully the second half
was an improvement on the first although directly from the kick off
TJ’s were again on the offensive. Dover weathered the storm and
returned to inside TJ’s 22 and Dover took a scrum against the
head which lead to centre Foster touching down with the conversion
missed. With a two point lead Dover still couldn’t get into their
stride. The pack were slow to the breakdown areas and were at times
being pushed back and the backs were equally inept with some terrible
tackling and too much individuality with the ball and attacking players
not being used as wisely as they should have been. Thankfully it wasn’t
all doom and gloom as the pack did work their rolling maul to good
effect which was rewarded with the ball being spread from right to
left and centre Lee Tonks was on hand to touch down with Sedgwick kicking
the conversion.
TJ’s legs were tiring and Dover scored another
try by Foster through a handling error with Mike Marsh converting.
Young Matt Burr and Greg Hewer came on as substitutes and both are
worthy of mention. The game certainly wasn’t a classic and our
thanks must go to Mr Webb in his officiating as he tried to keep the
flow of the game going throughout.
This was not a memorable victory by any means, however on a positive
note TJ’s have proved against many opponents this year that they
are a difficult team to beat on their own ground. A repeat of this
display is not acceptable and the players themselves were fully aware
of their own performances on the day. Dover remain in second place
two points behind Gravesend and the two teams both have home fixtures
this coming Saturday. Dover can only hope that their great rivals Deal
Lions will do them a favour against the league leaders, whilst Dover
still needs to overcome Lewes themselves. Dover has the better point’s
difference so the opportunity is still a possibility. A bumper crowd
would be appreciated at Crabble to cheer the boys on in their quest
for success in their very first season in London 3 – kick off
1500 hours.
Team: Moore, Savage, Lucas, Robinson, Tonks D, Collins, Davison, Surendorff, Murray, Sedgwick, Tonks L, Foster, Phillips, Mackintosh, Close, Hewer, Marsh, Burr.
Report by: Richard Collins
pictures by Ian Shilson
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