Trowbridge test proves too much for Dorchester (From Dorset Echo)

Trowbridge test proves too much for Dorchester

8:20am Tuesday 17th January 2012 in Rugby By Andy Haworth

TROWBRIDGE 24 Dorchester 12

TERRITORIAL advantage proved key as Dorchester fell to defeat at the hands of Trowbridge.

As the captain and coaches had spent Friday night and Saturday morning trying to find 18 fit and available players, it was no surprise that victory in the match itself was just beyond the county town outfit.

Both sides scored two tries but the territorial advantage enjoyed by the hosts enabled them to kick four penalties, which proved to be the difference.

The first half was a tight, cagey affair with the heavy conditions making expansive rugby virtually impossible.

A single penalty by the Trowbridge centre was the only score of the half.

The hosts started the second period with another successful penalty but the visitors hit back immediately when Toby Waddington slid into the left-hand corner for the opening try of the game.

A third penalty from the Trowbridge centre appeared to give the home side much needed confidence and two tries in five minutes, one of which was converted, opened up an insurmountable gap.

Dorchester did manage a second try, Dave Gower the beneficiary of a breakout by Idris Croft and Matt Read, and with Rich Bament adding the extras there was just the glimpse of gaining a losing bonus point.

However, Trowbridge had the last word with another penalty goal to complete the scoring.

The defeat sees Martin Oxland’s side drop to fifth in Southern Counties South, four points adrift of third-placed Devizes.

Dorchester: Duncan, Pengelly, Cottell, Makepeace, C Mitchell, J Gower (Bonner 60), Newsam, Dixon, D Gower, Bament, Baker, Harvey, Waddington, Croft, Read.

Man of the Match: Joe Gower