Maidstone 2nd XV (12) v (12) Dover 2nd XV
Played on 09/02/2008
With Dover looking to process to the Invicta leagues next year a morale
boosting performance against the current Invicta League leaders Maidstone
was required after the early season thumping they received in the
first clash at Mote Park. From the off Maidstone's big forwards took
the game to Dover with powerful runs at the heart of the defence.
The hits were big, the commitment 100% and no one was found wanting
with the brick wall centre pairing of Blair and O'Dell leading the
way. The forwards arm wrestle continued throughout the first half
with little chance for running rugby but Dover did turn around with
a 6 - 0 lead thanks to two well struck Marsh penalties and with glory
there for the taking.
Maidstone started the second half strongly and scored a try from a
well worked set piece move 6-5. Dover came storming back and encamped
on the visitors line and just as they looked like they would finally
break though a miss directed pass lead to an interception with the
Maidstone centre showing a clean pair of heals to race the length of
the pitch and touch down under the posts. The conversion was added
and Dover were 12-6 down. To the young Dover teams credit the heads
never dropped and they came straight back at the visitors once again.
With Maidstone holding on penalties were conceded and Marsh obliged
with 2 further kicks to bring the game back to 12-12. The last nail
biting 10 minutes passed with neither side being able find the extra
magic required to break the deadlock and in the end the draw was a
fair result. Every Dover player should be proud of their performance
and look to maintain the high standards they have set themselves.
Reported by Wayne Matcham
