Dover 1st XV (36) v Lewes (8)
Dover responded to last weeks disappointing display with a controlled
and comfortable victory against Lewes. Unfortunately the Deal Lions
were unable to seal a win against league leaders Gravesend and this
result means that Dover will now travel to face Purley John Fisher
RFC, from London 3 West in the play off stage next Saturday.
Dover’s attitude from the kick off was one of confidence and
determination and the pressure was immediately applied in the visitors
half. Ben Sedgwick opened the account with a penalty in the 8th minute
and five minutes later Dover intercepted a ball in the Lewes midfield
with the ball being fed to Jamie Phillips on the left flank who made
good ground before passing to Jamie Townley inside to touch down with
Sedgwick adding the extras. Dover’s pressure was relentless and
on 20 minutes they won good line out ball with inside half Ben Murray
feeding his threes with centre Lee Tonks cutting a superb line before
crashing over with the conversion to follow. 
The
remainder of the half saw Dover lose a little momentum and Lewes were
able to battle their
way back although no further points were scored by either team. Ed
Close was solid as usual at the back and the Dover defence was decisive.
Dover’s lineouts were working particularly well with Gus Surrendorf
and Dale Tonks taking a number against the head and Dan Robinson’s
contribution in the second row was inspiring.
The start of the second half was initially uncomfortable for the hosts
with Lewes scoring a well deserved try in the bottom right corner.
Dover took the game back to Lewes and a brave charge down by Kirk Savage
in the Lewes 22 lead to a Dover throw in which was won and spread from
left to right with winger Ricky Mackintosh on hand to power over. 
Lewes
kicked a penalty shortly after and from hereon Dover’s superiority
closed the game down. Flankers Jon Foster and Buster Collins foraged
for the ball at every opportunity and their interaction with the back
line was impressive. Dover’s lead increased following a rolling
maul uphill by the pack and the ball was ultimately fed along the three
quarters with Mackintosh taking the pass and powering over with Sedgwick
converting. The last try of the day came after some powerful running
by the veteran and in form prop Greg Hewer.
After
several phases of play Mackintosh was again on hand to grab his third
score which cost
him the ultimate penalty of a jug. Substitute
Mike Marsh kicked the points.
This was an excellent win and this team performance should provide
the foundation for Dover to enter the play off with only a positive
attitude. Dover have been unbeaten in 14 consecutive league games which
is testament to the efforts by all concerned within the set up and
there should not be any fear when the team take the field on Saturday
for their last game in what has been a fantastic season.
Dover must congratulate Gravesend for their success in winning the league and
the consistency that they have shown over the season.
Team; Lucas, Savage, Moore, Robinson, Tonks D, Collins, Foster, Surrendorf,
Murray, Sedgwick, Tonks L, Townley, Mackintosh, Phillips, Close, Hewer,
Davison, Marsh.
Report by: Richard Collins
pictures by Ian Shilson
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