Dover coach Graham Tonks says his side got caught cold at the start of the London 1 South clash at Brighton on Saturday.

And he wasn’t only talking about the biting wind on the Sussex coast.

The hosts led 17-0 after as many minutes before Dover warmed to their task to produce a gutsy fightback – finally losing 22-16.

Tonks said: “It was a shocking start by us. They (Brighton) caught us cold – you only had to look at the scoreboard to see that.

“But saying that, the way the lads came back from that disappointing start showed plenty of spirit and character.

“We were up against it so early in the game, so for us to claw our way back into the game and to get as close as we did was a tremendous effort, especially when you consider we also lost a couple of players with concussion.

“Playing catch-up is never easy but we made them work hard in that second half before they finally won. To earn a bonus point for getting within seven points of Brighton is a great result given how we started.”

Winger Harry Sayers and utility player Ben Sedgwick scored a try each for Dover, while Greg Philips kicked two penalties.

The loss keeps Sharks 11th ahead of their next game, at Crabble against third-placed Sidcup on February 21.

Tonks said his side having a break this weekend was perfect timing.

He said: “We’ve got a few injuries and tired bodies, so having this week off will help our cause.”