WIMBORNE II 37

DORCHESTER 28

IN A fast and physical game, Wimborne Seconds just shaded Dorchester to inflict their first defeat since November in Dorset & Wilts One South.

With some enforced late changes to the squad due to injury, Dorchester started on the back foot and, with a strong wind blowing down the pitch, it was clearly going to be a game of two halves.

The hosts had first use of the elements and made good use of the advantage, pinning Dorchester in the left-hand corner until the forwards forced their way over for the first try.

The visitors did look dangerous on the counter attack but a lack of precision cost them dearly.

Eventually, an excellent run by number eight Luke Robson took him inches short of the line and, when the ball was recycled, Rich Bament was on hand to crash over. Baker added the conversion to level the scores.

Wimborne then took control of the match. Two tries, one of which was converted, and a penalty giving them a 15-point lead at the break.

As the second half started it appeared that Dorchester needed to score next to make a game of it but it was the hosts who crossed for the bonus-point try.

The visitors fought back however, Zach Boyd-Paton intercepted and ran in from 30 metres and Jamie Morgan sliced through Wimborne’s midfield to score under the posts. Baker converted both tries to close the gap to just six points.

In a rare visit to the Dorchester 22, Wimborne added another converted try.

With time running out, Baker scored a fourth try, which he then converted, taking Dorchester within a single score of their opponents.

However, it was Wimborne that closed out the match with a long-range penalty to secure a deserved victory.

County town coach Ben Parker said: “This was a disappointing result given recent performances but we still came away with the bonus point.

“I felt the lads struggled to gel and find the recent form they have had.”

He added: “Let’s remember this is the start of something much bigger than one game.

“We are developing and building a squad to push for promotion next season.

“To achieve this, we must expect setbacks and it’s how we deal with and move on from them that will determine our future.

“Finishing third this season is still possible.

“We must now go back, work on the points from Saturday and move forward, fully focused on the next five games.”

Dorchester: T Evans, Cottell, J Underhill, Makepeace, Burch, Hallett, Newsam, Robson, Bosher, Foot, Boyd-Paton, Baker, Morgan, Dale; B Parker, Mullins, Peach