EAST DORSET 0 DORCHESTER 41

BOTH Dorchester’s senior sides were in action this weekend looking to build on recent form and pick up confidence-boosting wins heading into two big local derbies on Saturday.

The county town first XV eventually outlasted a very physical East Dorset side to record a comfortable bonus point win.

Playing with the wind behind them in the first half, Dorchester started well but a lack of precision prevented them finishing off several good chances to open the scoring.

James Baker did kick an easy penalty before the same player made another clean break and fed Toby Waddington who crossed for the first try.

The hosts continued to make things difficult for Dorchester, particularly at the breakdown, but they never looked like crossing the county town line.

Second row Lee King barged his way over for a second Dorchester try which, along with two Baker conversions, left the visitors 17-0 up at the break.

East Dorset made good use of the elements for the next quarter, pinning Dorchester in their own 22 for long periods, but the visiting defence held firm despite several close calls.

Finally, Dorchester lifted the siege and Baker sprinted in from halfway to make the game safe.

Dorchester ran in three further tries in the closing minutes. Two more for Baker and a well-deserved first try for James Newsam since his return from Taunton.

Dorchester Seconds continued their run of good performances with a 35-13 victory over North Dorset Thirds at Coburg Road in Dorset & Wilts Two South.

The second string will look to take this form into their final game of 2016 away to high-flyers Puddletown in a vital local derby, with both teams looking to end 2016 positively.