DORCHESTER 49 YEOVIL 3

YEOVIL, previously known as Ivel Barbarians, provided the opposition for the last of Dorchester’s pre-season friendlies, writes Andy Haworth.

Despite being short of several players who are expected to feature in the upcoming league fixtures, the county town side made short work of the team that had defeated them in the final match of last season’s disappointing campaign.

Regrettably the match had to be played with uncontested scrums as the visitors were unable to field three qualified front row forwards, meaning that the early stages were somewhat disjointed.

However, Yeovil made the better start and were rewarded with an early penalty goal.

Eventually, the hosts got their game together and, once Ed Grassby had crossed for the first try, there was really only one team in it.

Four more tries followed, with Rich Deakin, James Newsam, Lewis Allan and Harry Smith all getting on the scoresheet.

The second half continued in much the same fashion, Smith notched a second and prop Dave Cottell popped up for a rare score.

Another good sign was seeing James Baker complete a 100 per cent kicking record, converting all seven tries.

Then, with Yeovil players dropping like flies the referee called a halt to proceedings 20 minutes early.

Dorchester know that there are much harder times to come but they will start the new season in good heart.