DORCHESTER 5

DORSET DOCKERS 14

THERE was a distinct end of season feeling at Coburg Road on Saturday as Dorchester played their final home game of a very disappointing season.

It was an indication of the attritional nature of modern league rugby that neither side could field more than 16 players.

As it happened, the two teams served up a game high on honest endeavour and commitment if not so high on quality.

The county town outfit played into the breeze in the first period and despite many unfamiliar combinations settled down quickly.

The scrum and line-out were both working well and the defence kept their opponents quiet.

Finally after 30 minutes, the Dockers’ wing latched on to a sloppy clearance kick, broke several tackles and scored the opening try.

The try was converted and, with no further scoring, the visitors led by seven at the break.

Dorchester had the benefit of the breeze in the second period but seemed reluctant to take advantage and found themselves pinned in their own 22 for long periods.

Inevitably the Dockers added a second converted try, after a break through the middle.

Realising the game was slipping away from them, Dorchester upped their efforts and had the better of the final quarter.

Stand-in skipper Adam Makepeace forced his way over for a try which went unconverted but several other chances were spurned and Dorchester were denied even a losing bonus point.

Dorchester: Warren, Underhill, Cottell, Elliott, King, Arnold, Harries, Makepeace, Clark, King, Paton, Haskell, Robson, Lawton, King, G Foot