DORSET & WILTS 18

BERKSHIRE 30

THE Twin Counties went down in a home defeat to Berkshire in the RFU County Championship at Royal Wootton Bassett.

Both Berkshire and Dorset & Wilts had only pride to play for as the third county in the pool, Sussex, had already progressed into the knockout stage of the competition

The visitors were first to trouble the scorer, crossing for an early try and then adding the conversion.

Dorset & Wilts rallied and Wimborne fly-half Tom Moysey produced a slick run to touch down for a try, with North Dorset centre Sam Baker adding the extras.

The home pack then took possession from a line-out close to the Berkshire try line and produced an impressive drive to steam roller over. with Wimborne prop Gary Williamson claiming the honours with the touchdown.

Dorset & Wilts were now winning some good possession and the visitors’ defence began to buckle, they gave away two penalties in succession for Baker to convert both and put the hosts in the box seat at 18-7.

But as the heavens opened, lightning flashed and thunder echoed around the ground, there was enough time for Berkshire to kick a penalty, to make the score 18-10 in Dorset & Wilts’ favour at the break.

After the turnaround and with conditions worsening, both sides made handling errors, but the Twin Counties were punished for their misdemeanours.

Firstly conceding a penalty, then two more tries, both of which were converted along with another penalty at the death as Berkshire surged in the second period to claim the victory.