DoverRFC U12s Tournament
at Aylesford Bulls
Aylseford (30) v (5) Dover
Dover (5) v (10) Romford
Cranbrook (0) v (5) Dover
Gravesend (30) v (0) Dover
Dover - Overall Bowl runners up Complete with Trophy
Dover RFC 's U12 travelled to the Aylesford Bulls ground with a squad of 16 Players. This tournament was always going to be a hard fought battle, determination and resolve was the order of the day, unfortunately this was sadly lacking in the first half of the first match against the eventual U12s tournament winners Aylesford, who ran out 6 quick tries. The second half saw a much improved Dover performance and the lads managed to pressure the opposition into making mistakes. A well worked move from Harry, Kallum and Aidan saw Aidan slice through the defence to touch down for a well deserved and hard fought try. Next up were Romford and this was a far better performance all round. Unfortunately, fly half Allen sustained a nasty knee muscle injury and was forced to retire into the care of two nice young ladies for the remainder of the day! A quick reshuffle put George Smith into the fly half position with Moore taking over the kicking duties. It was now the forwards turn to shine, great rucking and a driving mauls put persistent pressure on the very big Romford lads. The highlight of this game came from a superb phase of play concluding in a fine try in the corner by Harry Moore. Dover can be very proud of the team performances in this game it was to prove a very close contest throughout.
Dover came out with a much more confident and determined attitude against
Cranbrook for the last match in the group stages. Aidan unfortunately
sustained a leg injury early on and played no further part in this
game. Great running from Matt Young saw the advantage swing Dover 's
way with a scrum awarded on the oppositions 5 meter line. The scrum
was won and Harry Moore provided quick ball to number 8 Joe to power
over and touch down. 
The remainder of the match saw continuous pressure
from a determined Cranbrook but Dover 's defence was outstanding with
great play by Fraser Shields who had one of his best outings this season
at fullback. The lads held on for the final whistle to take their first
win of the Season! This saw Dover take third place in the group stages
and enter into the Bowl competition in a high spirits. The opposition
for the last match of the day was Gravesend and this proved to be a
repeat of the first match blues. The opposition were allowed to dictate
the play and heads dropped. It was again not until the second half
that Dover switched back on but in the end Gravesend were the stronger
of the two teams.
A special mention must go to débutantes Matt Young and Liam
Coleman who played exceptionally well for a first outing, well done!
Dover finished the day on a high coming out bowl runners up with a nice trophy for the cabinet. All involved should be proud of the progress made. This now sets the tone for the home matches next week and the end of season fixture against Folkestone on a full sized pitch in readiness for next season.
Team: Kallum Allen, Jordan Annakie, Aidan Cook(1try), Joe Cooper(1 try), Liam Coleman, Josh Glew, Kieran Hopper, Robin Jenkins, Angus Killin, Harry Moore (1 Try), Matt Ribbans, Fraser Shields, Finlay McMunn, George Smith, Michael Walsh, Matt Young
Coaches Andy Allen, Trevor Hopper, Tim Moore.
Reported by Andy Allen
Pictures By Richard Jenkins
