NORTH DORSET 17

MATSON 32

NORTH Dorset missed out on a possible trip to Twickenham after losing to Matson at Slaughtergate in the South West Cup final and RFU Intermediate Cup quarter-final.

North made one change from their previous cup squad with Dominic Aviss coming in for Rob Morris to face Matson, who are currently unbeaten and top of Western Counties North.

North started well, but it was the visitors that notched the first points on the board when they stretched the home defence to score a try.

North responded well, putting a few phases together and pressurising the Matson defence, which held strong.

Poor discipline let Matson off the hook and let them clear their lines and break into North’s half.

Once Matson had territory, the accuracy and pace in their play saw them break through North’s defence again to make it 14-0 after 15 minutes.

North once again responded well, and their scrum was on top.

As the pressure told, North won a penalty and captain Dyer made the call to go to the corner, His side worked the line-out well and saw David Stickland crash over the line to close the deficit to 14-5.

It was now Matson’s turn to respond well, and as the same result as the two previous visits to Norths 22, Matson played with a physicality, speed and accuracy, which North couldn’t cope with and came away with a try for 19-5.

Twelve minutes later, Matson grabbed another try to take the half-time score to 26-5.

Matson were the first to score in the second half, notching a penalty for 29-5.

North then started to play with a bit more tempo, moving the ball well and making dents into the Matson defence.

Tom Hooper, Adam Trevis and Harry Salisbury all made great carries. From a five-metre scrum, North’s Trevis broke away and smashed his way over the line to give his side hope at 29-12 with 20 minutes to play.

North continued to play at a higher tempo with Harry Collis, Stacy Dyer and Adam Geal making great runs and North’s support play was now clicking.

It was then Matson’s turn to attack, North’s defence was now a more formidable object. However, a penalty was awarded in front of the posts and Matson’s kicker made no mistake for 32-12 with three minutes left.

However, North weren’t finished, a fine move orchestrated by replacement fly-half Danny Hill, saw Salisbury put into space and he sped clear and scored his first ever try for the senior side.

North can be very proud of their performance, especially their second half display, winning it 12-6, against a very strong Matson side.