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"A successful, yet also frustating, campaign" was how Dolphins skipper Rob Allsopp summed up this season whilst speaking to Chairman of Rugby, Adam King. The ultimate goal of retaining the Phil Pinnock Trophy was achieved, this being the Hampshire 2nd XV Merit Table. However, the league was somewhat devalued by the fact that many sides chose to concede the points, rather than face what they feared was going to be a hefty defeat. Regrettably they tended to leave this until Friday night or Saturday morning, leaving a deflated Dolphins squad without a fixture on many occasions. |
Rob Allsopp |
However, the side still played some great rugby at times, with one of the
highlights being a 67-12 away win at ambitious Portsmouth - this with 8
players under 20 in the squad; and the title being clinched with a
thrilling 32-31 away win on the day the 1sts clinched their title - this
being achieved at 2nd placed Andover, whose team this season has been 80%
Fijian thanks to the local army base.
Nick Wren, and Rob Matthews, together with other 1st team squad players Rod
Wilson and Justin Powell, have led to a formidable pack. Also,
continuing their development, when not featuring in the 1st XV, County
under 20's or London, have been Steve Cruddas, Ben Fiers, and Matt Morgan.
Out back, Grant Morris, when not on 1st team duty, has continued to show improvement, and great commitment, whilst newcomers Simon Stone from Lydney,
and Charlie Ross from Portsmouth, together with the outstanding Adi Tavener, and, of course, the
evergreen skipper, led to a potent back division. Once again the
chance has come to blood some of the Academy with Ali Walker, Keith
Molyneaux, and Neil McGovern turning in impressive performances.
With Chairman of Rugby, Adam King, actively recruiting, and exciting Academy
talent likely to emerge, the club is seeking fresh challenges for next
season for the Dolphins, and are in talks at present regarding a new
league. Watch this site for news.
Adam King was keen to emphasise that the strength in
depth exhibited by the Dolphins has contributed greatly to the 1st XV's success,
and this must continue if we are to prosper.
Lets look for greater challenges in 2002-2003
Click Here for a link to the Hampshire Senior Merit Table
Click Here for a link to the detailed matches record
Dolphins Playing Record
|
Pl |
W |
D |
L |
F |
A |
|
15 |
13 |
0 |
2 |
348 |
141 |