Dover 4th XV 13 v 15 Folkestone III

What was always going to be a tough game was made even tougher with Dover starting the game with only 13. Fortunately, Dover was only down by a converted try by the time a full compliment was fielded.

It did not take long for Dover to exerted pressure upfront and a well controlled driving maul resulted in a try for Cottam. Dover forwards continued to supply good ball from set pieces, especially Jacobs in the lineout, but were unable to convert this possession into points with two missed penalties.

With ten minutes of the half remaining Folkestone were reduced to 14 for deliberately obstruction a Dover player. However, this seemed to spur Folkestone on as they finished the half more strongly by scoring an unconverted try to lead 5 – 12 at the interval.

The game was finely balanced at the start of the second half with neither side taking full control. Dover eventually reduced the deficit with a Gaughan penalty. Immediately from the restart a break from Williamson at fly half opened up the Folkestone defence and resulted in Prescott scoring in the corner. Dover had finally got their noses in front for the first time at 13 – 12. However, Dover were unable to build on this lead and indiscipline was to prove costly as a penalty in front of their own posts with only 2 minutes remaining gave the game to Folkestone.

Report by: Jason Wall
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