Chichester 33 Dover 11 - Match Report by Roger Gould

Chichester always expect a very physical battle against Dover and are never disappointed. They rose to the challenge with commitment and hard graft which brought them 3 tries and a bonus point in the second half. The final tally was 4 tries, 2 conversions and 3 penalties. Dover scored a try and 2 penalties. Chichester move back up to third in the league table. Dover fielded their strongest pack with experienced warriors and confident after a big win over Hove the previous game. But they were their own worst enemies by incurring 3 yellow cards and one player was fortunate not to be sent off after an incident in the 24th minute.They had a real chance at half time but they could not sustain it and the Blues increased their intensity and speed to emerge worthy winners.
Niall Goldie and Ben Polhill returned to the back row, Phil Dickin replaced Chris Johnson at no.8 back at university, Ube Onyekwelu made his debut on the left wing, and supporters were pleased that senior men Phil Veltom and Moses Kasujja were on the bench ready for the call. Within 5 minutes the referee had set a new record, penalising both scrum halves for crooked feeds. Dover moved towards the right corner,won a scrum against the head and fly half Phillips kicked a resulting penalty. Chi replied instantly when the visitors fumbled the drop out and after some scrambling Goldie swooped and and broke through for the first try, converted by Henry Anscombe, 7-3. Chi kicked a penalty into Vulture's corner and after lineout and drive would have scored but the referee gave them a penalty instead of advantage just 5 metres out. They knocked on at the second lineout. Ube had his first touchline run before tackled out but Dover were soon mauling impressively, Tom Jackson tackling hard as the ball was shipped outside. Following a kick for territory, Dover seized the ball and worked phases before releasing to their backs. An overlap was created and outside centre Charge put debutant full bck Booty across at the right flag. Prop Ash Wheeler had tackled and rucked well before he was kicked on top of the head after play had moved on. Centre Jack Bentall had a good run beating tackles and Billy Toone and Polhill probed deep. Dover infringed at a tap penalty and Anscombe slotted 3 points from in front of the posts. The Kent men hit back and it was nip and tuck between the 22s. The front rows locked horns and rutted with high energy, back rows scrapped for every loose ball and the lineouts were competitive with towering catches by both sides. Dover's hooker was sin-binned and the first cracks were emerging. Blues opened up ,the backs showing good hands,Polhill scything through twice, and Nick Blount going close. A penalty was won and Anscombe obliged. 13-8 at the break and everything to play for.

Both teams knocked on in attacks but Chi were soon in the groove. Toone, Polhill and Goldie passed smoothly, fly half Tim Cook made a fine break and popped it to Blount who offloaded with style for mobile Tom Belcher to take and crash over. Anscombe conversion. Cook kicked long to touch, the Chi. forwards drove on and excellent phases won another penalty which Anscombe kicked beautifully from wide out. Veltom ran on, later joined by Kasujja, both to warm applause. Great passing and another drive saw Dover's scrum half sent to cool off for ten minutes. Dover defended stoutly, winning a 5metres scrum and Phillips clearing with a long touch. Back came the Blues, touch kick, lineout and drive with hard working Dickin getting the touchdown. Polhill prevented a Dover break ,Bentall surged forward and the Dover no.8 was not only miles offside but deliberatey obstructed. Another yellow card, a Chi drive to the line and Veltom tackled 5 metres out. The ball was sent left across the backs and quick hands put Anscombe in for the fourth try and bonus.33-11. Dover looked for a consolation score and continued to show muscle in the forwards,but solid clearances by Jackson and Anscombe kept them at bay. The play became a little scrappy but Belcher gave some final excitement as he sprinted 30 metres up the left touch and demanded a desperate tackle to stop him. Chi had prospered as a result of the battle won by the forwards and the backs had demonstrated their passing skill. There was no hangover from the nightmare at Chobham and they now go back to Surrey to face another talented team.

Kick off at Cobham,at 3p.m.on October12th. All support welcome.

Chi squad Wheeler Giddings Belcher Lindsay[capt] Blount Goldie Polhill Dickin Toone Cook Onyekwelu Bentall Jackson Driscoll Anscombe Veltom Kasujja Renwick.