Purley John Fisher (19) v (25) Dover 1st XV
Played 26th April 2008 at PJF
Dover’s adventure continued when they booked themselves a place
in London 2 next season with a superb win in this play off with London
West side Purley John Fisher. The win condemned PJ’s to a disappointing
third play off defeat in recent years. Dover arrived at the ground
focused but understandably apprehensive and the team were welcomed
by one home supporter who said ‘It’s a long way to come
for a thrashing’. This was the perfect start for their pre match
preparations and the day just got better and better until the early
hours of Sunday morning.
Dover were missing two influential players in club skipper Martyn Beaumont
and his deputy and pack leader Ricky Stanley who have been side lined
for a number of weeks through serious injury and there was always going
to be questions asked as to whether the team had the strength and resilience
to overcome this well drilled side.
The opening minutes saw early exchanges between both sides and the
powerful centres of PJ’s demonstrated their ferocity in the tackle
with some thunderous hits on their opposite numbers, with Jamie Townley
taking a heavy blow on the shin which effectively put this talented
player out the game. 
Dover had the better of the opening 20 minutes
but basic errors and strong defence from the hosts saw the play move
into the Dover half. 
Dover were now defending with PJ’s
on the ascendancy and at times the defence looked vulnerable. The home
side
took the lead after 28 minutes following an option for a 5 metre scrum
and the pack drove over to touch down. The conversion was missed. Dover
immediately answered back and some powerful scrummaging and work by
their forwards forced their way up field. 
Dover’s front five
were immense against a heavier and well respected opponent. Dale Tonks
secured the ball from the line resulting in a number of phases of play
deep into PJ’s red zone with Dan Robinson on hand to touch down.
Ben Sedgwick added the extras. The game was now evenly poised but PJ
were again in front 4 minutes when Dover failed to clear their lines.
The remainder of the half favoured PJ’s but Dover worked well
to hold on.
The second half saw Trigger Davison taking the field and moving to
open side and Jon Foster taking the place of Townley. Straight from
kick off Dover were in trouble and two penalties cost them another
6 points. The home crowd were rejoicing but there cheers were short
lived as the unshakable and self confident Sharks started to get their
act together. Pressure was put on the PJ’s outside half who spilled
the ball and Dover’s backs spread the ball to winger Ricky Mackintosh
who sprinted 40 metres to touch down. The game ebbed and flowed and
Dover were awarded two penalties with PJ’s offside and secondly
with Foster being ‘clothes lined’ on a break, which should
have resulted in a card. Sedgwick kicked them both beautifully. Dover
had upped the ante but PJ’s were again forcing the game in their
favour. The game was nearing its end and PJ’s then again took
the lead with another penalty kick. From this point it looked as though
PJ’s would take the game. Their pressure within the Dover 22
had been intensive. A further penalty had been awarded against Dover
however hooker Kirk Savage had been punched and the decision was reversed.
This was a pivotal moment in the game and Dover were able to clear
their lines. Stand in skipper Buster Collins was rallying his team
with the other leaders playing their part, the heart and passion of
the players never wavering and the defence titanic. With 4 minutes
remaining JP’s were again on the attack and 10 metres from the
visitors touch line and what happened next will remain with those present
for many a day.
Foster ripped the ball from the PJ’s centre set off before releasing
Ed Close who ran the full distance out sprinting all and sundry to
touch down for a magical try with the conversion to follow. 
The spirit
had disappeared from the hosts and Dover controlled the remainder of
the game. The final whistle was greeted with applause from both sets
of supporters who had witnessed, what one stalwart described as a ‘magnificent
game of rugby’. Both teams should take pride in their performances.
Each and every player whose name appears below should take a moment
to reflect on their personal achievements on a day that saw Dover secure
their fifth promotion in six seasons. They were all outstanding to
a man and any celebrations were richly deserved. It would be wrong
to try and single out any individual player in what was a monumental
team performance.
Dover has seen their home grown talent raising their standards year
on year. Reaching the last eight in the country in the senior vase
and gaining promotion in our first season in London 3 has been beyond
our wildest thoughts. Highlights of the season, apart from beating
Gravesend in a superb game of rugby, was turning over Deal Lions 3
times and gaining 3 points against the well fancied Aylesford Bulls
and removing them from the EDF.
The senior coach Graham Tonks and his deputies John Mercer and Jon
Turbett have worked incredibly hard to make things work and they must
take pride in the achievements of recent years.
On behalf of the 1st team I would like to thank the team and individual
sponsors for their generosity without which we would not be able to
function. The faithful supporters who have followed the season have
been superb
and again our thanks to them all.
Team, Moore, Savage, Lucas, Tonks D, Robinson, Collins, Foster, Davison,
Surrendorf, Murray, Sedgwick, Tonks L, Townley, Mackintosh, Phillips,
Close, Davison, Hewer, Marsh, Byrne.
Report by: Richard Collins
pictures by Ian Shilson
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