A Tight Game

The first half was very even, with Dover just having the edge in the set scrums and defending very well around the rucks and in the centres and the Lions making some good runs but failing to penetrate the defence .

The second half was more enterprising and the Lions attacked the Dover line with some good rucking and driving . Tom Dennis, a newcomer to the Lions pack, made some strong drives . Then, Michael Rowarth at Scrum-half broke free from a ruck, made good ground and passed to Nick Petken, who was in good support, and he touched down for a try .

Dover responded well and drove towards the Lions try-line and from a Short Penalty , went over for try near the posts, which was converted .

Dover followed this with some good drives, a quick heel and good passing for their outstandin Centre to score another try . 12 - 5 to Dover.

The Lions responded well and after a sustained period of pressure on the Dover line, the powerful Mitch Halpin went over for a try . Ben Ruffley kicked an excellent conversion from out wide to level the scores .
The match was well-refereed by a welcome New Zealand Referee .

A good game for players and spectators !

Team .

15. E.Topping 14. J. Ward 13. C. Thatcher 12. T. McLachlan 11. M. Halpin 10. B. Ruffley 9. M . Rowarth 1. R.Wakefield 2. G.Dixon(Capt ) 3. A. Sapsford 4. D.Rose Jnr 5. T. Dennis 6. N. Petken 7. K. Fleming 8. J. Hunt

Reserves :
M. Nelson . M. Beard J. Crews

Report By David Storrie