This fixture marked the debut of two promising young players, Stanley Richards and Edward Kent, both eager to make an impact.

Dover started the game with intensity and a focus, immediately demonstrating their skill in exploiting the full width of the pitch. Their well-coordinated passing allowed them to find space on the wings, and their swift movement resulted in a couple of early tries.

Despite the challenging start, Deal remained resilient. As the first half progressed, they found their rhythm and began to mount a spirited comeback. This period of determined play allowed Deal to create scoring opportunities of their own. Jonathan Mattison and Matthew Cocker each crossed the try line, showcasing the team’s grit and determination. Their efforts narrowed the gap on the scoreboard, with the half-time score standing at 26-12 in Dover’s favour.

As the teams returned for the second half, Deal continued to give their best effort. However, Dover’s relentless pressure began to take its toll. Dover skillfully exploited any defensive gaps that appeared and capitalised on missed tackles, managing to extend their lead further. Their well-organised and dominant play ultimately led to a final scoreline of 60-12, highlighting their commanding performance.

Although the scoreline was a tough one for Deal, there were many positives to take from the match. The team showed flashes of brilliance and moments of cohesion that will serve them well as they continue to develop. This game was a valuable learning experience, providing plenty of areas to work on in training.

Special congratulations go to Aston Armstrong, who delivered a notably strong performance and was deservedly awarded the man of the match. His commitment and skill on the pitch were clear highlights for the team.