DORCHESTER 64 BLANDFORD 7

DORCHESTER’S first proper run out after seven weeks of intensive pre-season training saw them coast to a 10-try victory in a home friendly against Blandford.

But while the result looks impressive it doesn’t fairly reflect Blandford’s effort throughout the 80 minutes.

And had they arrived with more than a bare 15, the final score may have been kinder to them.

That said, pre-season friendlies are about trying different combinations and with 30 players available on the night, Dorchester head coach Martyn Peel was a satisfied man after the game. The early exchanges showed that both sides were very rusty with a number of unforced errors affecting the flow of the game.

However, Dorchester’s pack was dominant and the strength in depth up front bodes well for the coming season.

The hosts showed real promise out wide and, as the game wore on, the home side grew in confidence and some slick handling led to excellent scores.

The county town side will be fully aware that sterner tests await but, as a starting point, this performance showed some encouraging signs.