Thanet (5) vs Dover (17)

Reported by Andy Sturman

Thanet kicked off with Sturman catching and setting up the ruck, Thanet, as expected were strong with some big forwards and bullied Dover securing the ball. This was perhaps the wake up call required for the Dover forwards after the recent break, due to the weather conditions, and Thanet were not given the opportunity again. Dover's first try came after winning one of many scrums against the head, Dover secured the ball and Ricketts passed out to Duncan who moved the ball out wide with Lindsey making a run up the right, Lindsey was tackled and Dover rucked over with real aggression to keep possession, Moore made a short run with Thanet tackling hard, Godden then picked up the ball and burst through a gap over the line for the first try, Yarnell missed a hard conversion with a good effort. This was the only score in the first half, much of which was played in the oppositions half.

After the break Dover were down hill, this enabled the backs to gain momentum and with some good passing play and another good run from Eades, Sayers cut in, running 20yds through the Thanet defence for the second try. Otto secured two points with the conversion.

Thanet then had their best part of their game with some good strong and aggressive forward play, this led to Dover pack leader Ciano receiving a yellow card for what the Thanet Ref saw as constant infringements from the side, Dover then sustained a 10 minute barrage on their own line that Coach Yarnell described at the end of the game as heroic, with number 8 Ciano off, the forwards held the scrum and even pushed it back a one point ! the ball was eventually cleared by Mathews, however Thanet returned and eventually scored a try, the conversion was missed.

With only 10 minutes to go Ciano returned to the field and after a good run down the wing by Taylor and a fine line out, Ciano let his frustration out by smashing through Thanet for the final try of the game.

With a final score of 17-05 to Dover the lads can be proud of their efforts and still remain unbeaten in the league this year.

Reported by Andy Sturman