By Colin Whiteley
Dover 39 – 12 Thanet Wanderers
The pre-season match was played in four periods with generous water breaks in view of the continuing high temperatures.
Dover kicked off and Wanderers conceded an early penalty that allowed the hosts to set a good field position and score a converted try after just four minutes. Seven minutes later they went five points further ahead as a second try was unconverted.
Thanet’s number eight, Brett Scott, had to withdraw with injury to be replaced by Ben Cannon. Mike Whitehead took a break from front row duties and was replaced by Jack Brewer. Cannon’s strong carry took Wanderers, who were playing with an advantage, over the home line but the touchdown was disallowed and Wanderers went back for the penalty. Good sharp handling followed and it was Tom Stevens on the left wing who claimed the season’s first touch down.
Charlie Panteli’s conversion attempt was just wide but Wanderers were on the board 12-5. Substitutions were many and often for Wanderers with Dominic Stringer and Finn White getting first starts from the bench with Ed Plori soon following them on to the pitch. Despite good defence, particularly from Leon Doody who was playing on the wing, Dover scored a third try to lead 17-5 at half-time.
Well refreshed, Wanderers were quickly on the attack at the start of the third period and their strong pressure was rewarded with a try for Finn White which Panteli converted well. Dover made it 22-12 before the end of the period. Wanderers were tiring rapidly during the fourth period and the hosts ran in three more tries to be well deserved winners by 39-12. Thank you to them for their hospitality and good luck for the season ahead.
Coaches and most of the many Thanet supporters who made the short trip to Dover could find grounds for optimism for the rapidly approaching season. Only six of today’s starters started Wanderers final league fixture of the 2023/24 season so there will be new faces and a return for some regulars in Wanderers league fixtures that begin with a home match against Gillingham Anchorians on 7th September (Kick Off 3PM)
Wanderers 2s have a friendly home fixture against Ilford Wanderers RFC on the 31st of August, kick off time 3PM.