Dorset & Wilts Cup semi-final

WIMBORNE 10 SWANAGE & WAREHAM 22

SWANAGE & Wareham will meet Salisbury in the final after they overcame Wimborne in a last-four contest.

Following the downpours on Saturday lunchtime, this fixture was in doubt until half an hour before kick-off, but the game was played in atrocious conditions for the players and spectators alike, with rain throughout the match.

However, the Swans got off to a flying start, as number eight Joe Desmond caught the ball, spread play to full-back Callum Baird who broke clear, made ground, passed out to winger Charlie Rowberry who crossed in the corner before touching down under the posts.

Fly-half Charlie Parish added the extras.

The match became a battle among the forwards, with the visitors having the upper hand early on, and, after 16 minutes from a scrum, the Swans powered over the Wimborne try line with captain on the day, and prop forward, John Sheldrake claiming the touchdown.

Wimborne’s pack put up stout resistance, and forced the Swans on to the back foot on occasions, winning a penalty on 34 min- utes, which James Mikolajewski comfortably landed, to make the half-time score 12-3 to Swan-age.

The hosts came out for the second half with renewed vigour, and, with just four minutes after the restart, forced their way over the Swans’ try line from a scrum.

Mikolajewski added the conversion to reduce the deficit to 12-10.

Most of the play was in midfield, but a fine kick put the Swans into the Wimborne 22.

From a line-out, the away side once again powered their way over the hosts’ try line, with wing- forward Matt Roberts coming up with the ball.

Parish added the conversion to put the Swans 19-10 ahead after 59 minutes.

It was getting more and more difficult for both teams, but, with eight minutes to go, the Swans received a penalty on the Wim-borne 22 which Parish put over to earn his side victory.

Meanwhile, in the other semi-final, Salisbury beat Wootton Bassett 33-7 to set up the showpiece, which will be played on Saturday, November 29 with the venue to be announced.

Swans: Baird, Valehei, Cottrell, Graves, Rowberry, Parish, Tomes, Sheldrake, Fielding, Wyburgh, Collins, Penney, Scott, Roberts, Desmond, Audley, Wright, Corsie, Jones

OTHER RESULTS

Dorset & Wilts Second Team Cup: Swanage & Wareham II 71 Westbury 5.

Third Team Vase: Swanage & Wareham III 35 Salisbury 0.