Men's 1XV vs Dover 2XV

Swanley RFC’s 1XV travelled to Dover knowing it would be a stern test and while the visitors showed heart, scored three good tries, and had their moments, Dover proved clinical in a 41–20 victory.

First Half

Dover struck first, finding space out wide for the opening try, though the conversion drifted wide. The hosts soon added a second, this time converted, to move into an early lead.

Swanley hit back in style. After pressure from the forwards, Daniel Maloney crashed over the line to open the visitors’ account. Gareth Lewis stepped up and added the extras. Moments later, Lewis showed a cool head from the tee again, slotting a penalty to bring the scores even closer.

But Dover weren’t finished with the half. A converted try restored their cushion, followed by a penalty to edge them further ahead. Just before the break, the hosts struck again with another try, though this conversion went astray. At half time, Dover led 27–10.

Second Half

The home side came out firing after the restart, scoring yet another converted try to extend their advantage.

Swanley, though, refused to lie down. A strong carry from Ben Lockwood saw him crash over the line for a deserved score. The conversion attempt slipped wide, but it gave the travelling supporters something to cheer.

Dover, clinical as ever, replied immediately with another converted try. But Swanley had the final word in dramatic fashion. Camped inside Dover’s 22, it took a 13-minute siege featuring five penalties, two turnover scrums, and more than a few dropped balls before the breakthrough came. At last, debutant TJ Fitzgerald spotted the gap and dived over for his first try in Swanley colours a hugely satisfying moment that had the whole side celebrating. The conversion went wide, leaving the final score 41–20.

Final Whistle

It was a tough day on the road, but Swanley showed flashes of real quality: three well-worked tries, solid set-piece moments, and resilience even when Dover turned up the pressure.

Daniel Maloney had a game to remember, a try, a yellow card, Man of the Match, and DOD all in one outing (a full set!). Lee Oliver also saw yellow, while Gareth Lewis contributed with the boot.

Despite the score line, there’s plenty to build on: attacking intent, a fighting spirit, and a debut try that summed up the team’s refusal to give up.

Up nest Swanley travel to Ashford RFC on the 20th September.