Charlton Park U17s 8 v 10 Dover U17s
Dover U17's league campaign started in earnest at Charlton Park, London
on Sunday. Unfortunately only 14 players were available to take on
the fixture emphasizing the need for a stronger player base, however
the available team dug deep to triumph over the 22 man London side.
Dover were first to score on 15 minutes from a try from Ben Atkin who
charged through into the corner, the kick being too far out for conversion.
The Dover pack put on an impressive display with hooker Tarren Blake
stealing many of the Parks ball in the scrummage and Atkin dominated
the air at lineout, unfortunately the absenteeism hit the backs the
hardest who found it difficult to make headway against the opposition.
As pressure and frustration grew an insignificant scuffle broke out
just inside Dover's half, this was enough to break the concentration
and Park levelled the score from a quick penalty when almost all the
Dover players were caught flat-footed.
The second period saw Dover take more control, the players time was
spent in a more productive way. However in the 65th minute Park slotted
the sweetest of drop goals to make it 8-5. This led to a most ferocious
onslaught from the Dover pack who under the leadership of Theo Mcmenamin
punched upfield into the opposition 22 where they were held on the
5 metre line with some impressive defending until scrum half Richard
Walker seized the opportunity to finish Charlton Park in the 70th minute
making the final score 10-8.
Notable efforts from Josh Robinson who stepped in as second row, Jason
Sterrow and Ali Ali who continued to improve their game.
If you would like to represent Dover U17's come training Wednesday
evening from 6.30, check out the website "doverrfc.co.uk".
Reported by Paddy McAdam
Posted 29/09/2007
