WEYMOUTH & PORTLAND 48 DORCHESTER II 15

JOEL Wilson ran in a hat-trick of tries at Monmouth Avenue on Saturday as Weymouth & Portland won their Dorset & Wilts Two South derby with Dorchester Seconds in convincing fashion.

The hosts only led by seven points at the break but crossed six times in the second half to preserve their 100 per cent start to the season.

With Yeovil also bagging a bonus-point victory over Puddletown, Weymouth & Portland remain three points clear at the top of the table after half a dozen fixtures.

Dorchester took the lead against Paul Harding’s men with a penalty, however, the hosts responded courtesy of a couple of tries.

Neither were converted so the home side held a 10-3 advantage going into the interval.

Weymouth & Portland's expansive game really paid dividends following the turnaround.

The back row of George Carter, Ryan Lewendon and 17-year-old debutant Josh Cameron were superb in the second period as the tries flowed.

Wilson bagged a treble, Simon Dean added another and finished with two to his name, and Carter topped off an excellent individual performance with a score of his own.

Full-back Chris Lewendon and winger Carl Neal also scored.

Fly-half Bryn Llewellyn kicked four conversions while the visitors replied with a couple of consolation tries.

“The groundsman did a really good job with the pitch and that allowed us to move the ball wide,” said Harding.

“The boys played really well, although we were a little bit disappointed to ship some points towards the end.

“It was quite even to start with and they put us under a bit of pressure with their big pack.

“We tried to compete up front but didn’t get any change from them, so we had to alter a few things and play more running rugby.

“We moved the ball wide in the second half and got our rewards.”

He added: “The back row was outstanding and Josh Cameron played very well on his debut.

“He didn’t look out of place at all and is one of those players that can play anywhere.

“He’s a talented lad and I’m looking forward to seeing more of him in the first team.”

It has been confirmed that Weymouth & Portland’s Dorset & Wilts first XV Plate final against Pewsey Vale will take place at Warminster RFC on Saturday, November 28.