DORCHESTER 30 WIMBORNE 24

DORCHESTER finally got their Southern Counties South season up and running with a deserved bonus-point victory against Wimborne at Coburg Road.

The hosts kicked off the contest on a beautiful autumn day in the county town and dominated the early exchanges.

Despite having problems winning lineout ball, the hosts spent most of the first 10 minutes in Wimborne’s half.

Dorchester got their reward when Sam Jones powered his way over the line for the opening try, James Baker adding the extras.

The home side continued to have the lion’s share of possession and had the edge when it came to field position, and it was no surprise when Baker went over for another try.

The visitors eventually got themselves into the game and, following a poor Dorchester clearance kick, their full-back sliced through the home defence and fed his winger for a simple try.

Dorchester immediately regained the initiative and it was number-eight Jones who again drove over the line for his second and Dorchester’s third score.

Baker made no mistake with the conversion and Dorchester led by 14 points at the break.

The hosts appeared to be in complete control of the game at this stage but Wimborne clearly had other ideas.

Five minutes into the second half they were level after scoring two converted tries.

Stern words from Dorchester head coach Paul Dunne had the desired effect and the home side refocused before retaking the lead with a Baker penalty.

As the two sets of players tired and the game broke up both sides had chances to win it.

But it was Dorchester who benefited and Baker showed that he has lost none of his pace by scoring in the left-hand corner. That try gave the hosts an extra bonus point too.

An unconverted try by Wimborne closed the gap to just three points but Dorchester held their nerve and closed out the game with a final penalty from Baker.

After losing to Midsomer Norton and forfeiting their clash with Devizes, a first win under new coach Dunne will give Dorchester a big confidence boost going into next Saturday’s game against Bradford-on-Avon.

Dorchester sit one place off the bottom of the Southern Counties South table, though they are now back on zero points having been docked five for that no-show at Devizes.

Wimborne’s losing bonus point at the weekend takes them on to three overall from their first three fixtures.

Dorchester: Warren, Cottell, Hodgson, Hallett, L King, Sharpe, Arnold, Jones; Allan, C King; Hosford, Baker, Greening, Deakin; Evans. Reps: Ritchie, Harries, Makepeace.