Dover 4th XV (29) V (10) Canterbury 5th XV
After heavily defeating Dover in both fixtures in the previous season, Canterbury
arrived with high expectations. The visitor’s aspirations were soon shattered
in the opening quarter with outstanding play form an inspired home team. Three
tries and nineteen points were quickly scored and the visitors looked shell
shocked.
Marauding forward play from the superb McNamara and Roy Cottam lead to quick
ball to the backs, slick passing allowing Danny Prescott to open the scoring.
Another try soon followed with the mercurial Mike Sampson scooping up a dropped
ball and displaying a quick sleight of hand to feed Bowman who realizing his
lack of pace transferred the ball to the on rushing Jason Wall to complete
a clinical score.
Dover’s dream start continued with the best try of the game. Following
rampaging forward play from Wilkins, Hover and Harte, Goody slipped the ball
to McNarmara who sliced through the Canterbury defence, despite a superb visitor’s
tackle the ball was pinged through the three quarters hands to allow young
Tony Watson to score in the corner. Canterbury were down but not out and their
superior scrumaging was finally rewarded with a forward drive resulting in
a try for their hardworking forwards.
In the opening minutes of the second half, Canterbury forwards played pick
and drive rugby but this attacking play was stubbornly defended by Dover backs
and forwards. It was soon evident that Dover was winning the contact areas
and Canterbury was frustrated by Yarnell’s, Goody’s and Gaughran’s
ability to snaffle ball at the breakdown. As the second half progressed Dover
start to dominate the territorial battle and following a thoughtful kick and
a super chase, Dover’s attackers isolated a Canterbury defender with
skipper Jason Wall scoring from the turnover ball.
A further try followed thanks to fine interplay by Sampson and Bowman who fed
Prescott for his second try of the game. Canterbury’s efforts were also
rewarded with a try in the dying minutes. The most impressive feature of the
game was how Dover’s young guns galvanized the team’s veteran players
into a strong team performance.
Report by: Chris Bowman
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