DORCHESTER II 10 WEYMOUTH & PORTLAND 0

DORCHESTER Seconds secured local bragging rights over rivals Weymouth & Portland until next season after a hard-fought derby victory at Coburg Road.

In winning, the hosts also avenged their 38-18 defeat to the visitors at Monmouth Avenue earlier in the campaign.

The two sides were evenly matched in the first half and neither could capitalise on any advantage gained in terms of territory or possession.

It was no surprise, though at the same time a fair reflection on the first 40 minutes, when the teams went into half-time level at 0-0.

Dorchester came out stronger after the break and, after some good play from the forwards, full-back Matt Fry crossed the whitewash and then converted his own try to give Martyn Peel’s troops a 7-0 lead.

The visitors responded with pressure of their own, crossing the Dorchester line only for the referee to adjudge that the ball had been held up.

The game continued to be a finely balanced affair until the visitors infringed within range of their posts.

Dorchester fly-half Rob Parker split the uprights with his kick to extend his side’s lead to 10-0.

The remainder of the match was no less hard fought by both sides but without any further scores, leaving Dorchester to celebrate their first win of the term against a local rival.

Skipper Tom Evans was full of praise for his team after the final whistle.

He said: “This was a brilliant game to end the first half of the season in time for Christmas.

“Well done to all and, as usual, thank you to Weymouth & Portland who put up one hell of a fight for 80 minutes.

“It was always going to be a brilliant game of rugby.”