Dover 24 Chichester 8
Dover reignited their London 1 South promotion challenge as they returned to winning ways with a comfortable victory against high-flying Chichester.
Following last week’s postponement at Old Colfeians, the Sharks were eager to return to action and banish the memory of a surprise 11-5 defeat to Wimbledon suffered last time out.
The foundations for the victory were laid in the first 20 minutes of the game, which saw Dover play clinical attacking rugby. With three minutes on the clock, they opened the scoring with a well-worked passing move, started and finished by Ricky Mackintosh. Blair Charge added the extras. Two minutes later Dover increased the lead with another try from Mackintosh.
Dover’s attacking rugby continued to trouble Chichester, as they added a third try came mid-way through the half from Jamie Townley.
Chichester responded in the final minutes of the half with a penalty as they capitalised on a yellow card for Dover’s Ed Blowers.
The second-half started with Dover being awarded a kickable penalty, but Charge’s effort crashed against the post.
Within minutes of Dover returning to a full complement of players, the home side suffered their second sin bin of the game with Jon Foster being shown the yellow card. Despite being reduced to 14 men, Dover moved closer to victory when Mackintosh completed his hat-trick.
Chichester regrouped and scored a try to cut the deficit and they had chances to put more pressure on Dover, when Jack Tomlinson and Ben Vick were sin binned late on.
However, Dover’s weakened defence held firm to complete a deserved victory, which keeps them second in the division. The Sharks face a trip to Chobham this Saturday.
POSTED: 09/03/2010 08:00:00
Bookmark with:
Email to a friend: