Back Forward

 

First XV Rugby Cont...

DOVER EXPRESS: "…it was, surprisingly, the lighter Duke's forwards who, against the wind, kept play firmly in the visitor's half for much of the game". Carl McConchie directed operations in mid-field and the pack's pressure was rewarded by a tri seized by Andy Bennett.

After beating Eltham College we faced our toughest opposition of the season in Sevenoaks school, fresh from a successful and extensive world tour.

DOVER EXPRESS: "Duke's scare super Sevenoaks. Both sides were totally committed and determined, making it a classic school-boy match. The Duke's opened the scoring with a penalty from Al Black with our pack showing complete scrummage domination.

DOVER EXPRESS: "This area of play earned the Duke's pack much praise from England U.16 coach Mike Williams". Aggressive defence play by captain Mark Geldard and his backrow broke down most of Sevenoaks' attacks. But one momentary lapse in concentration lost us the game, as we fell 3 - 6.

SEVENOAKS CHRONICLE: "Dukies were also the best team they have played - certainly in the forwards".

After half-term, in appalling weather conditions and without Carl McConchie (playing for Kent U.19) we lost to a last minute tri at St. Dunstans, but fielding a completely fit side we travelled to St. Lawrence and won with comparative ease 25 - 3. Both forwards and backs played well yet failed to link successfully.

DOVER EXPRESS: "Two more wins for Dukies"

We defeated "local rivals" Dover College 23 - 6 and then Sir Roger Manwoods 16 - 0 with Mike Tinsley getting a hat-trick of tries.

DOVER EXPRESS: "Another five tries for Dukies". These came at home to Maidstone Grammar whom we beat 29 - 10.

DOVER EXPRESS: "…an almost unending supply of ball ensured that the backs had ample opportunities to show their paces".

Kent College was the final game, and with Dean Richardson kicking well and a late second-half tri by replacement Mike Eastwood we won 13 - 7.

A good season for us due to the hard work put in from the coaches and the players.

B. Davies

Back Forward
- 30 -