FOLLOWING a successful 2013/14 season at under-10 level, Dorchester Under-11s started the new campaign with a superb second place in the prestigious Land Rover Cup.

The event is an Aviva Premiership initiative where top-flight clubs host a tournament in their area, and, for Dorchester, it meant a trip to Trowbridge to take part in the competition held by Bath RFC.

Dorchester, pictured, reached the final after topping their pool – they won one match by nine tries to nil – and beat Bath in the quarter-finals.

In the final itself, opponents Cleve scored the only try of the game to take the trophy by the narrowest of margins – Dorchester conceded just two tries in the whole tournament.

“I couldn’t have asked for more from the lads and I am immensely proud of what they achieved,” said lead coach Mark Bradley.

Forward Jacob Wride added: “This was a hard tournament so to beat Bath and make the final was epic – I can’t wait for the Dorset finals next year.”

Cleve were so impressed by Dorchester’s spirit and play that they invited them for a return match at their own ground.

The team have received a Community Matters award from Waitrose to go to-wards next year’s tour and the side is always looking for new players.

Anyone interested should contact manager Joe Byrne via byrnejx @yahoo.co.uk