FROME 12 Dorchester 31

AN OUSTANDING second-half performance secured a Southern Counties South bonus point win for Dorchester.

The visitors were given first use of the strong wind but it was Frome who made the better start.

Playing with lots of energy the home forwards harassed Dorchester into mistakes and eventually opened the scoring with a push-over try in the left-hand corner. An excellent kick into the wind added the extras.

The county town side did get on the board via a James Baker penalty but struggled to get any continuity into their game. A second try, this time unconverted, for Frome only served to emphasise their superiority.

On three occasions it was only Matt Read who prevented further scores, showing how much he has been missed in previous weeks.

Baker kicked a second penalty with the last kick of the half to close the gap to six points but Frome were well worth their lead and it appeared that Dorchester would face a long 40 minutes playing into the wind after the break.

Not for nothing do Dorchester have a reputation for playing better in the second half of their games.

With John Warren systematically demolishing his opposite number in the scrum, and his fellow forwards getting the upper hand at the breakdown, the second period was all Dorchester.

Carl Mitchell touched down in the right corner followed soon after by Luke Weller in the left. Neither try was converted but the visitors now led by four points.

A third Baker penalty increased the gap before Dorchester’s dominance of the set-piece was highlighted with Mat Bonner getting the try as the Frome eight were driven back over their own line.

An outstanding run down the left wing by Weller, bumping off three defenders before going under the posts, was only chalked off by an alleged foot in touch but Dorchester were not to be denied the bonus point.

Rich Bament and Read swapped passes and the former went over for try number four. Baker added the extras to complete a convincing victory.

Dorchester: Miners, Pengelly (Cottell 20), C Mitchell, Vivian, Sergison, Newsam, D Gower, Bament, Bowden, Newton, Baker, Weller; Read.

Highwood Man of the Match: Matt Read