Dorchester 28 WIMBORNE 10

DORCHESTER continued their fine start to the new term with victory over rivals Wimborne.

Facing their second Dorset derby in as many games, following the previous week’s win at Weymouth, the county town outfit were forced to make no fewer than seven changes.

And almost immediately the hosts found themselves on the back foot, conceding three points within the first few minutes.

The home side were further hampered, and the pack reorganised, by an injury to impressive prop Johnny Warren with just 10 minutes on the clock.

And while Dorchester readjusted, Wimborne took advantage and increased their lead with a converted try.

Slowly, Dorchester started to find their feet and James Baker slotted a penalty attempt to reduce the deficit before missing another.

With the break approaching and the county town side now dominant, they had the option of a further penalty attempt at goal but decided to kick for touch.

From the subsequent line-out, the home side caught and drove and Gavin Smith went over in the corner, with Baker making the conversion to level the scores at half-time.

The second half saw Wimborne try to gain the upper hand, but an early penalty miss would prove to be as close as they got to adding to their tally.

After containing their opponents, Dorchester were now playing the better rugby and forced the visitors to concede two further penalties, both of which were dispatched by Baker for a six-point advantage.

Dorchester sensed they had their rivals on the back foot, and a break by captain Dave Gower from his own 22 saw the ball swung out to first-team debutant Zach Paton, who took it half the length of the pitch and into contact before perfectly off-loading for Matt Read to score – Baker adding the extras.

With only minutes to go, another fluent move saw James Newsam go over in the right-hand corner.

Dave Cottell added another try but the referee brought play back for an apparent forward pass and that proved to be the last meaningful attack as Dorchester ran out worthy winners.

The county town outfit will do battle with Wimborne once again this Saturday but in Dorset & Wilts Cup action.

Highwood Man of the Match: James Newsam