After an indifferent start to the season Dover travelled away to Cobham for their 4th league fixture of the season. A daunting trip which has proved fruitless for the last 4 years. Dover continue to back their youth policy and name another young vibrant side for the trip.
Cobham got the game under way under glorious sunshine, Dover playing up the slope. The early exchanges were frantic from both sides, Cobham missing an early opportunity to take the lead Dovers defence more solid than recent weeks. The game stayed at 0-0 for 19 minutes but Dover were playing the better rugby. Their set piece was solid the pack turning over a scrum and quick ball down the blindside saw young Harry Sayers score in the corner, Jack Ayling converting 7-0 to the Dover Sharks. A knock to Dave Sluman saw Haydn Annakie take to the field for the first time after a 6 month injury lay off. A momentary blip at the restart Dover were caught offside and Cobham added the 3 points from the penalty. A few words from skipper Ed Blowers put things back on track. A great kick chase at the restart and Kirk Savage won the contest for the ball. Dover played with structure, Aaron Cooper and Ed Lewis making yards, quick ball to the backs saw Dover 10 metres out. Good recycled ball and scrum half Ben Crawford sniped through the gap to score, Jack Ayling again converting, 14-3 to the Sharks after 33 mins. The restart from Cobham was caught by Luke Garnham, making 10 metres and putting Dover on the front foot attacking in the midfield, forwards and backs combining as the ball was taken over half way. Unfortunately the ball spilled forward and Dover were defending hard again. Caught off side, Dover were penaliseg, Cobham adding the 3 points. The score 14-6 on 38 mins. Dover added their own 3-points from the restart and Jack Ayling’s boot. The best try of the half was saved to the last seconds. Cobham tried to see out the half without conceding anymore points. They kicked deep into Dovers 22, Harry Sayers sprinting back to reclaim the ball. Cobham had chased up, but Sayers saw the gap, and he was away making 70 metres before he was stopped. Dover had plenty of support and Crawford found Cooper, who bounce passed to Ayling who powered over for the try. Although the try was unconverted, Dover had a 22-6 lead at half time.

Cobham were taken back to the dressing room at half time, a tactic which initially worked. They took to the field firing on all cylinders and Dover were soon under the cosh. Within 14 minutes, 2 tries and a conversion had brought them within 4 points. Ed Blowers gathered his troops and made them believe that they were the better team. The team believed and again started playing 15 man rugby. The match ebbed and flowed with both defences gaining the upper hand. Dover grew in character and at last they showed belief and maturity beyond their years. A scintillating move started by the ever reliable Jamie Townley saw the ball travel through 12 sets of hands before it was stopped 10 metres out, Dover flooded the blind side and Ed Lewis touched down for his first try in the senior team. The conversion missed, Dover led 27-18 with 16 mins remaining. They continued to press Cobham who were penalised twice, Jack Ayling accurate with both kicks adding 6 points, 33-18. Cobham did try to mount a late fight back but Dover defended as one and saw the game out. A BONUS POINT VICTORY!!!!
This result was massive for the team, not only an outstanding display, but also the character which they showed when Cobham came back at them. Next week Dover are back at Crabble and face high flying Chobham. Kick-off is 3pm this Saturday.

TEAM:
AARON COOPER, KIRK SAVAGE, CHRIS LUCAS, ED LEWIS, ED BLOWERS (Capt.), DAVE SLUMAN, JAMIE FARRIS, LUKE GARNHAM, BEN CRAWFORD, BLAIR CHARGE, NATHAN ANNAKIE, JACK AYLING, CHARLIE HALLS, HARRY SAYERS, JAMIE TOWNLEY, SHANE PILE, JASON MALLORY, HAYDN ANNAKIE

SCORERS
TRYS:
SAYERS
CRAWFORD
AYLING
LEWIS

CONVERSIONS:
AYLING (2)

PENALTIES:
AYLING (3)