PEWSEY VALE 5

DORCHESTER 23

THIS was not a game that will live long in the memory of those who watched it, but the match was however notable in that it was the first cup tie that Dorchester had won at first-team level since 2010.

Dorchester kicked off and having won the ball back from the hosts immediately opened the scoring.

Scrum-half Jake Bosher spoted the hole behind the ruck and sprinted in by the posts, James Baker’s conversion completed the perfect start.

However, this was to be the high point of the first period. Dorchester created and squandered several try-scoring opportunities – the hosts created very little but competed and tackled bravely.

The county town coaches attempted to install some urgency in their players during the half-time break but, as the second half got underway, very little appeared to have changed.

Dorchester struggled, Pewsey Vale continued to frustrate their opponents with some solid defending until the inevitable happened and the hosts got their one chance, a kick into the corner was chased down by the home centre who narrowly beat the Dorchester winger to the touchdown.

The conversion was missed but the game now appeared to be in the balance.

The score however, was just the wake-up call that Dorchester needed, they went back to basics and playing a much simpler game forcing the hosts into conceding a string of penalties.

Baker took full advantage by converting all three of the ones within his range to effectively close out the game.

The same player then completed the scoring, skipping past several defenders down the left wing before touching down in the corner and successfully converting from wide out.

Post match, coach Ben Parker reflected on the game. He said: “This was a good start to our Vase campaign, and a win is a win, however, it wasn’t very convincing.

“At times we failed to do the basics and silly errors allowed Pewsey Vale to stay in the game. This is something we must address if we are to move forward.”

“This week’s Dorchester Costa offer man of the match was Charlie Harries for the second week running. He had another fantastic game and put himself all over the park.”

In other games this weekend the youth section showed fine form with some great victories over local rivals.

The under-14s travelled over the Ridgeway to take on rivals Weymouth & Portland in the first match of the D&W Cup.

There wasn’t an abundance of champagne rugby and both teams slogged it out.

However, the strength of the Dorchester side eventually showed through with a 22-7 victory

Man of the match, as chosen by his team-mates, and went to the number two Brook Beale on his debut.

The under-10s beat Oakmeadians, the under-13s overcame Lytchett Minster and the under-15s proved victorious against Blandford. The Colts side came out on top against Bridport 53-5.

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