Rugby: Great defensive effort sees Dorchester hold on

AN outstanding defensive effort from Dorchester earned them a second Southern Counties South victory of the season at Coburg Road on Saturday.

Dorchester kicked off the clash with their Wiltshire opponents and immediately went on the attack.

But despite the hosts’ sustained pressure the visitors survived and eventually turned the ball over.

A speculative kick ahead seemed to be covered by Lewis Allan but then a wicked bounce allowed the chaser to get the touchdown.

The home side responded immediately and they won a series of kickable penalties.

Unfortunately, James Baker was not at his best with the boot and could only convert one.

However, Callum King added a fine drop-goal to give Dorchester a lead that they would never lose.

Still dominating field position and possession, the hosts extended their advantage when Baker squeezed in at the corner and converted his own try with his best kick of the day.

In a rare visit to the Dorchester 22, Bradford set up a well-organised driving lineout and crossed for their second try.

Again they were unable to convert and Dorchester led by just three at the break.

The second half brought about a complete change in proceedings with the visitors dominating for long periods.

Several times it appeared that they had to score but determined scrambling defence ensured that Dorchester’s line was not crossed again.

Dorchester even had to survive 10 minutes with 14 men when Dave Cottell was sent to the sin bin by the referee for entering a ruck from the side.

After keeping out wave after wave of Bradford attacks, Dorchester eventually broke clear to cross for the clinching try courtesy of Sam Jones.

Bradford continued to attack from everywhere but Dorchester were up to the task and there were no further scores from either side.

The hosts closed out the game without too much trouble to secure the win and move up to eighth place in the table.

Dorchester do not play again until October 24 when they travel to Somerset to take on winless Frome.

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