Chichester's promotion hopes are over at Dover - in the cruellest way

By The Newsroom
Published 25th Apr 2013, 14:56 BST
Updated 7th Jun 2018, 20:55 BST
Chichester stop a break from DoverChichester stop a break from Dover
Chichester stop a break from Dover
Chichester did all they could to finish in second place in London one south the league and gained a bonus-point 29-15 win in a hard, physical game against fifth-placed Dover.

But they suffered disappointment for the third year in a row when the grim news arrived that Basingstoke had fought back in the second half to draw 17-17 away to champions East Grinstead.

The Blues had the same total 109 league points as their Hampshire rivals but were edged out on points difference. It has been a record season with 22 wins out of 26 and they scored 130 tries in a total 857 points.

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In their past three seasons their wonderful record is just 14 defeats in 77 games. Coaches and players can be very proud of their success and supporters have enjoyed many fine performances.

Although props Phil Veltom and Nick Shopland are retiring from the first XV after great contributions, the hope is that most of the squad will be available for selection next season and the club will continue to prosper in London one south.

They were at full strength and took the lead in two minutes. Quick lineout ball led to the ball being spun across the backs for Sam Renwick to give winger Toby Golds an easy run to score, Richard Adams converting.

Dover were lively and fly-half Phillips kicked well for territory. From a scrum, their experienced pack tried pick and go to win a penalty for not rolling away at the ruck. Phillips slotted the three points.