WALCOT 36 DORCHESTER 14

WITH several late withdrawals, it was much changed Dorchester team that travelled to Bath to take on Walcot in their final game of the year.

The opening exchanges were pretty even with neither side imposing themselves until the county town club suffered the first of several serious setbacks.

Rich Bament was forced to leave the action with concussion and with no backs on the bench James Newsam had to go out into the centres for the rest of the afternoon.

It was probably no surprise that Dorchester conceded three converted tries, all through the midfield, following the major re-organisation.

The visitors could have easily folded at this point, but far from throwing in the towel they took the game to the hosts and dominated the last 20 minutes of the first half.

Camped on the Walcot line for long periods, they were just unable to find the final pass to cross the whitewash.

Playing up the infamous slope in the second period, the away team continued to outplay the hosts and soon earned their reward.

Callum King showed great strength to hold off several tacklers and touch down under the posts. He then added the conversion and Dorchester were right back in the game.

Minutes later, the visitors kicked a penalty into the corner and set up a driving maul from which Steve Tucker emerged to dive over. King again converted and Walcot were starting to wobble.

Dorchester remained on top but were unable to add to their score , and it was Walcot who broke out to register a fourth try as they open up the gap again.

The visitors were far from out of it, but distaster struck with 10 minutes left.

Dave Cottell and Ed Grassby suffered a nasty clash of heads, resulting in both being unable to continue.

Dorchester’s chance had gone and Walcot added a further try and then a penalty with the last kick of the game.